(Pakwach) – Heavy rains have once again caused River Tangi to burst its banks, leading to the tragic deaths of four people and leaving three missing as floodwaters disrupted traffic and threatened lives along the Pakwach region.
In the aftermath of the latest flooding on November 27, 2024, the river surged and submerged sections of the Olwiyo-Pakwach road, disrupting key routes linking Arua, Gulu, and Kampala. The floodwaters overwhelmed a Toyota Hiace taxi, which had been caught in the rising water at Tangi Junction near the Pakwach Bridge. Tragically, four individuals, including a soldier who had been part of the rescue efforts, lost their lives as the river swept away the vehicle.
Authorities reported that by the time of writing, the bodies of the victims had been retrieved from the swollen river, and three individuals were still missing, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. This marks the second time in just four months that River Tangi has flooded, with the first incident occurring in early August.
The flood caused significant disruption to transportation in the region, particularly affecting the vital road network that connects Arua to Gulu and Gulu to Kampala. The flooding continues to be a serious concern as the rains persist across Uganda, with local communities struggling to cope with the effects of the severe weather.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as the region braces for continued heavy rainfall and potential further flooding. Meanwhile, officials are calling for urgent measures to prevent future disasters and improve infrastructure resilience in flood prone areas.
