26 June 2012

First images of the landslide in Uganda yesterday

Posted by Dave Petley

New Vision Uganda has published online a first set of the images of the landslide on the flanks of Mount Elgon yesterday, which is believed to have killed at least 18, with 72 people reported missing (some reports suggest a much higher toll, but this is would be surprisingly high).  The most informative image is this one:

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/632346-dozens-still-missing-army-joins-bududa-rescue-effort.html

The landslide appears to be a quite mobile flow in deeply weathered residual soil.  The length of the runout is unclear.  Unfortunately, given the likely nature of the reported 20 houses that were buried, the prognosis for those not recovered to date is not good.