The Prime Minister's Office has set aside a contingency fund of Shs 120 billion to deal with any natural calamities that may occur during the rainy season.
This fund, which is subject to cabinet approval, seeks to lessen the effects of nationwide natural disasters like flooding, landslides, and disease outbreaks.
Beatrice Atim Anywar, the Minister of State for Environment, noted that September to December is the second main rainy season in the majority of Uganda during a media conference in Kampala.
She added that it is anticipated that rains will perform better than usual in a number of locations.
In light of this, she explained, "the total rainfall in these regions is projected to be above 125% of the long-term mean, indicating a significant impact on socio-economic activities, albeit mostly in a modest degree above the average."
Anywar emphasized the importance of taking prompt, suitable action based on this prognosis in order to make the most of the available data.
She urged all parties involved in rain-fed economic activity to make use of this rainfall prognosis when making plans and decisions so as to enhance the economic welfare and standard of living in their local communities.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority will keep track of weather patterns and provide users with frequent updates and alerts. Anywar pleaded with users to utilize the daily, ten-day, and monthly updates offered.
It is significant to note that as the season develops, there may be regional and month-to-month differences.
Occasionally occurring flash floods could cause property damage and fatalities in some places.
Additionally, mountainous portions of western and southern Uganda, including Bundibudyo, Kasese, Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, Bududa, Mobile, Bulambuli, and other locations around Mt. Elgon, are susceptible to landslides. Additional dangers include lightning and strong gusts.
The minister emphasized the importance of taking adequate action to prevent human casualties and damage to infrastructure, including moving residents of low-lying districts to higher ground, building flood-proof homes, and creating suitable drainage systems.
.
Anywar demanded the construction of lightning conductors/arrestors on all structures to reduce risks associated with lightning. Teachers were advised to make sure that students did not play outside or hide under trees during light drizzles before thunderstorms. Communities should be made more aware of the need to use rubber shoes and stay away from metallic things.
Water levels in rivers, lakes, and dams are predicted to rise as a result of the forecast precipitation. Anywar counseled the energy industry to make plans for the most efficient power production and distribution. The use of trenches, soil bunds, terracing, and mulching are examples of soil and water conservation techniques that should be promoted to prevent excessive soil erosion and downstream floods.
Localized flooding may occur as a result of sporadic, strong rainfall events, especially in Kampala's city and metropolitan districts. It is vital to increase disease surveillance.
Health authorities are urged to maintain their vigilance and make sure hospitals have the medications they need to handle any potential emergencies brought on by these diseases.
Anywar reaffirmed that the second significant rainy season in Uganda runs from September to December.
The development of El Nio conditions in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which are anticipated to last through the conclusion of the forecast period, is one factor that will affect the climate conditions during this forecast period (September to December 2023).
Along with the effect of local circulation patterns, geographical factors, and significant inland water bodies, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is anticipated to turn positive at this time.
The ministry has set up the El Nino contingent funds, which will help in addressing in responding to various catastrophes, according to Solomon Elungat, the senior disaster preparedness at the Office of the Prime Minister.
He stated that the cabinet must approve the budget.
0 Comments