Kalangala Residents Face Devastation as Cyclone Winds Wreck Homes and Businesses

Residents of Nkose Lugala Landing Site in Kalangala District are grappling with significant losses after powerful cyclone winds struck early Monday morning. The storm, which began around 5 am, caused extensive damage, tearing roofs off homes and even lifting some structures from their foundations, leaving families displaced and businesses in ruins.

Phiona Naziwa, a mother of two, recounted the terrifying moments the storm hit while she was breastfeeding her infant. “The house began to shake. I stood up at once, grabbed my children and ran to the door,” she said, adding that the house was lifted as they fled for safety. Upon returning, she found her small business, which relied on making juice, completely destroyed, including all her tools, bottles, and glasses.

Another resident, Abdul Yasiin, described seeing a dark formation over Lake Victoria before the winds hit. “In a few minutes, the house began to shake and was lifted up. I ran for my life,” he stated. He also lost fuel and fishing equipment from his store. The intensity of the wind made it impossible to hear cries for help, forcing neighbours to rely on knocking on doors to alert each other.

John Ndawula, the local LC1 chairperson, noted that this was an unprecedented event for the landing site, with winds of this magnitude never experienced before. The destruction affected several wooden houses and even two boats on the shore. He has appealed for immediate assistance, including iron sheets, timber, nails, and food for the displaced families, as well as capital for those whose businesses were ruined.

Local leaders are urgently seeking emergency aid from government bodies and disaster response organizations. Resty Nakawungu, the woman councillor for Mazinga Sub-county, called upon the Office of the Prime Minister and the Red Cross for intervention. The district disaster focal person, David Omongooti, confirmed that an assessment would be conducted and reported to the Prime Minister’s office. He also advised residents near Lake Victoria to remain vigilant during the rainy season and seek shelter in sturdy structures.

This cyclone has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, particularly at a time when children were preparing to return to school. The community is appealing for swift support to recover from the devastating impact of the storm.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)