For six agonizing days, baby Benitta Nakalema’s lifeless body remained buried beneath a massive garbage slide at Kiteezi landfill, Uganda. On Thursday afternoon, search and rescue teams finally recovered her remains, alongside those of 6-year-old Simon Katerega and 9-year-old Leticia Nassiwa. The tragic incident has now claimed 34 lives, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango.
The fourth victim identified was Moureen Nakitto, 29. All the bodies were identified by residents Margaret Nakabiri and Fred Lukanga, bringing the community together in sorrow over the devastating losses caused by the landfill collapse.
Authorities have reported that 29 individuals are still unaccounted for, as rescue teams battle severe weather conditions. The collapse occurred following a heavy downpour, engulfing homes in the area. City authorities had previously been warned about the hazardous conditions at the landfill.
The Kiteezi landfill, Uganda had already surpassed its capacity, and now the garbage collapse has created a dire situation for the surrounding community. Despite the rainy season hampering rescue operations, efforts continue to search for those still missing.
Credit: nilepost.co.ug