Watch: 9 Killed in Uganda Floods, Many More 'Feared Dead'

At least nine people were killed due to flooding in the eastern Ugandan city of Mbale after two rivers burst their banks, officials announced on Sunday, noting that more persons are feared dead.

Police and the military were called in to deploy rescue teams in Mbale, where stranded residents could only watch helplessly as their belongings were washed away by the floodwaters.

Mbale City resident commissioner Ahamada Waashaki told AFP that nine bodies had been recovered so far, including one of a soldier.

"Many more people are missing and feared dead," Waashaki said. "There is a lot of destruction, roads cut off, buildings submerged as a result of heavy rain that started last night until this morning."

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In addition, he pointed out that the situation deteriorated after the Nabuyonga and Namatala rivers burst their banks, causing flooding across most parts of the city. "In the past, we experienced flooding but not the level of lives lost and destruction of property seen this time," the commissioner noted.

Uganda's Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja visited the scene of the disaster that lies about 300 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the capital Kampala.

"Police and military marine forces will be coming to help in the rescue and search for dead bodies as we provide relief to the affected population," her office said.

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In the same vein, local reporters told AFP they had seen bodies floating in the muddy brown floodwaters before being removed by police. Several cars were also washed away, along with household goods and personal items as residents moved to higher ground for safety.

Nabbanja suggested environmental damage caused by human activity was to blame. "I believe this disaster would have been avoided if people did not encroach on river banks," she said in a video shared by her office.

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