Uganda warns of lightning strikes, waterborne diseases as thunderstorms expected in April

KAMPALA, April 6 (Xinhua) — Weather authorities in Uganda has warned of lightning strikes and the emergence of waterborne diseases in April as thunderstorms are expected in various parts of the country.

A weather report sent to Xinhua Saturday by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) indicated that some of the country’s lowlands would also experience flooding.

“There is a high risk of waterborne diseases due to occasional splash floods which may include but not limited to cholera and bilharzias,” UNMA warned.

“Since there is a high risk of violent winds and lightning, the public should take precautionary measures,” UNMA added.

UNMA also warned of high prevalence of malaria, advising the public to sleep under treated mosquito nets and stocking on more drugs.

“Local authorities especially in urban areas should work on drainages due to expected high chances of flooding that is likely to happen in low lying areas,” UNMA said.

Although UNMA noted that the heavy rains would lead to improved pastures, pests and other plant diseases are expected to be rampant.

In 2022, heavy rains caused flooding in eastern Uganda, killing 24 people and displacing more than 1,000 others.