This photo taken on May 12, 2023 shows part of damages due to flash floods on the Kampala-Masaka highway, Uganda. Flash floods resulting from ongoing torrential rains have cut off a major international highway in Uganda linking to neighboring Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a state-run roads agency said Thursday. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)
KAMPALA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Flash floods resulting from ongoing torrential rains have cut off a major international highway in Uganda linking to neighboring Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a state-run roads agency said Thursday.
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in a statement issued here said the floods on Thursday submerged River Katonga Bridge, paralyzing traffic on the Kampala-Masaka highway.
The UNRA said traffic has been diverted to Mpigi-Ssembabule-Masaka, a stretch of 184 km.
The agency said the diversion will remain until the water levels subside.
"We urge all road users to exercise caution, refrain from traveling through flooded areas for their own safety, and promptly report flooding incidents for immediate response," the statement said.
Several parts of the country are facing torrential rains leading to floods and landslides.
At least 23 people were killed and 16 others injured after landslides swept through several villages in western Uganda in recent weeks, according to government figures. ■
Workers inspect part of damages due to flash floods on the Kampala-Masaka highway, Uganda, May 12, 2023. Flash floods resulting from ongoing torrential rains have cut off a major international highway in Uganda linking to neighboring Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a state-run roads agency said Thursday. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)
People are seen stranded on the road due to flood flashes on the Kampala-Masaka highway, Uganda, May 12, 2023. Flash floods resulting from ongoing torrential rains have cut off a major international highway in Uganda linking to neighboring Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a state-run roads agency said Thursday. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)
