The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) Apac branch has issued a critical early warning alert to residents of Apac, Kole, Kwania, Oyam, and Amolatar districts.
URCS urges the five districts in the Lango sub-region to prepare for the potential impacts of above-normal rainfall linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
This advisory especially targets communities living near Lake Kyoga, rivers, streams, and flood-prone low-lying areas.
According to URCS, the anticipated heavy rains could trigger flooding, resulting in destruction of homes and crops, damage to vital infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and increased risks of waterborne diseases, strong winds, lightning strikes, and drowning incidents.
In response, the URCS has provided practical guidance for residents to minimise risks and enhance resilience.
Residents are urged to:
● Stay informed by following weather updates from trusted sources.
● Ensure drainage channels around homes are clear to prevent water accumulation.
● Reinforce weak structures and repair leaking roofs ahead of the rains.
● Safeguard food supplies, clean water, and important documents.
● Prepare emergency kits containing first aid supplies, medicines, torches, batteries, drinking water, dry food, and essential documents.
Other advisories include relocating immediately to higher ground if flooding occurs or threatens, and avoiding walking, swimming, or driving through flooded areas under any circumstances.
Specific advice is also directed toward fishing communities using Lake Kyoga.
Fishermen are urged to check weather forecasts before venturing out, wear life jackets at all times, avoid overloading boats, refrain from fishing during storms or strong winds, and return to shore promptly if weather conditions deteriorate.
Farmers in the sub-region are advised to harvest mature crops early, improve drainage systems, protect stored seeds, move livestock to safer locations, and avoid cultivating flood-prone wetlands during this period.
Health safety measures include boiling or treating drinking water to prevent waterborne diseases, regular handwashing with soap, sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and seeking immediate medical attention upon experiencing illness symptoms.
During thunderstorms, residents are cautioned to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees, and keep away from metal objects and flooded areas to reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries.
The URCS emphasises that preparedness is a shared responsibility: “Early warning leads to early action, and early action saves lives. Together, let us protect our families, neighbours, and communities,” reads the statement from the Apac branch.
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