World Vision assists survivors in Ugandan landslides

Bududa, UGANDA (June 27, 2012) — Following the devastating landslides that hit Bududa, Eastern Uganda earlier in the week, World Vision is working with the government of Uganda and the Red Cross to help survivors and those displaced by the rains.

“On top of the tragic loss of human life, the landslides have resulted in tremendous loss of homes, property and livelihood. For most victims, home – as they have known it for generations – has been swept away,” said Director of Programs for World Vision in Uganda Albert Siminyu. “While the effect of the landslide has been indiscriminate, we are concerned that the children and women will be the most affected. These people have no homes to go back to and for some, their entire family has been lost. With government warning of further landslides in the area, these people need as much prayer and support as possible.”

Therefore, World Vision is taking the following steps to provide much needed aid and support to the victims of the landslides:

• We are distributing 500 blankets and 1000 malaria-preventing mosquito nets to the families affected by the landslides. This will be distributed with a special focus on families with children and those without relatives to stay with.
• We are also supplying medical supplies to the health center closest to the mud slide scene. This will be done in close consultation with the District Health Officer of Budduda so as to ensure that the medical supplies delivered are the most appropriate.
• We will also be providing assorted sweaters and other clothing, for children, men and women. Specific basic items like soap, will be provided to the helpless survivors who have been injured and admitted in hospital yet lack any immediate necessities as their families and belongings were all buried in the mud slide.

“We will continue to work closely with the government, Red Cross and the local communities to intervene in whatever means possible,” said Siminyu. “We continue to urge Ugandans nationwide to stand with the victims and those affected by the landslides.”

- END -

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews