KAMPALA, Uganda — On Friday, rescue teams in eastern Uganda recovered more bodies from the mud as an injured individual succumbed to their injuries in a hospital. This brings the total fatalities from the recent landslides to 20, as officials continue their search operations in the affected regions.

The mudslides, triggered by intense rainfall, occurred on Wednesday night and impacted six villages in the mountainous Bulambuli district, located approximately 280 kilometers (175 miles) from Kampala, the capital. The devastation included the destruction of around 125 homes.

Irene Kasiita, spokesperson for the Uganda Red Cross Society, reported that four additional bodies were located on Friday. Additionally, one person who had been injured in the disaster passed away at Mbale Hospital. According to a statement from the Red Cross, a total of 750 individuals were displaced due to the disaster, with 216 of those taking shelter at a nearby school while others found refuge with relatives.

Faheera Mpalanyi, the Resident District Commissioner for Bulambuli, indicated that military personnel had been deployed to assist with the recovery efforts. “We are continuing our search for additional bodies still trapped under the debris,” she stated.

Local officials highlighted the challenges posed by the conditions in the region, noting that plans were in place to bring in an excavator to aid in rescue operations. However, muddy roads and ongoing rain are complicating access to the site. The area affected encompasses approximately 50 acres, including homesteads and farmland situated downhill.

Lawmaker Irene Muloni, representing the Bulambuli district, emphasized the necessity for the government to assist in relocating residents from these hazardous areas prone to landslides. She remarked, “Waterfalls are present everywhere, and the rainfall levels are excessive,” strongly encouraging those who have lost their homes to seek shelter with family and leave the perilous region.