The number of victims who succumbed from a landslide at a vast rubbish dump in Uganda’s capital Kampala has risen to 13, according to police, as rescue personnel continued to dig for survivors.
After torrential rain in recent weeks, a chunk of rubbish from the city’s only landfill site broke off late on Friday, crushing and burying homes on the edge of the site as residents slept.
On Saturday, the Kampala Capital City Authority had put the number of those who succumbed at eight.
“The latest we have is 13 dead, but rescue services are continuing,” police spokesman Patrick Onyango said on Sunday.
At least fourteen victims have been rescued, as well as several animals, he said, adding that more could still be t*****d, but the number is unknown.
“In our estimation, about 1,000 individuals have been displaced by the incident, and [we are] currently working with other agencies of government and the community leadership to see how to help the affected p****e,” he said.
The Uganda R*******s said tents have been set up near the site for those displaced by the landslide.