Uganda’s weather department warns of more devastating rains

Uganda's weather department has warned that the country is going to continue receiving torrential rains, which will peak in mid-May and gradually wane down with a possibility of stretching into next month.
   Uganda National Meteorological Authority said in its May rainfall outlook the rains are likely to have devastating effects like landslides in the mountainous areas like Elgon, Rwenzori and Kigezi highlands among others.
   The weather department said authorities also need to monitor the increasing water levels in most water reservoirs such as lakes, rivers and streams.
   "Cases of lightning are still probable in most areas of the country hence contingency measures should be put in place to avoid loss of lives and property," the outlook showed.
   "Increased rainfall might cause high risks of flooding especially in low lying areas and urban centers with poor drainage systems," it added.
   On the positive said the state-owned agency said water harvesting is encouraged so that enough water is stored for home and irrigation use during periods of scarcity.
   It said soil moisture improvement will lead to further growth of crops in areas where rainfall has been consistent, and in pastoral areas, the enhanced rains will lead to further improvement in foliage and pasture for livestock.
   Uganda is already suffering the devastating effects of the ongoing rain season.
   Thousands of people have been displaced in various parts of the country, and humanitarian agencies say the displaced are in dire need of relief aid.
   Lake Victoria, which is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, has registered record high water levels partly due to the ongoing rains, according to environmentalists. (Xinhua)