Heavy rains sweep away livestock, crops and bridges in Zombo
"Cows and goats that were grazing along the stream were swept away and many were discovered dead," he added.
Zombo: Torrential rains accompanied by destructive hailstorms have left a trail of devastation in Alangi Sub-county, Zombo District, sweeping away livestock, destroying crops and washing away bridges, leaving several communities cut off.
The disaster struck on the afternoon of Sunday, August 2, 2026, affecting the parishes of Gamba, Ambele, Angar and Ndara, while floods severely impacted parts of Pasaye Parish.
Floodwaters swept away an unspecified number of cows and goats grazing along riverbanks, while acres of beans, maize, cassava and other crops were destroyed as gardens were submerged by overflowing streams.
Bob Cekecan, the Speaker of Zombo District Council and Male District Councillor for Alangi Sub-county, confirmed the destruction, saying the heavy rains also washed away Athuda Bridge I and Athuda Bridge II on Athuda Stream, cutting off transport and access to essential services.
“The parishes of Ambele, Gamba, Angar and Ndara were greatly affected by hailstorms that destroyed crops and washed away gardens. Some parts of Pasaye Parish were greatly affected by floods,” Cekecan said.
“Cows and goats that were grazing along the stream were swept away and many were discovered dead,” he added.
The destruction has disrupted movement for residents, including pupils who use the bridges to access Gamba Primary School through Andhimandhi Village.
Cekecan warned that the widespread loss of crops and livestock has worsened the area’s vulnerability to food insecurity and appealed for urgent government and humanitarian intervention.
“The destruction has left many families without food and livelihoods. We urgently need support because the risk of famine is now very high,” he said.
The storm destroyed staple food crops including maize, beans, cassava and avocado plantations, dealing a major blow to hundreds of farming households whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.
Videos shared by residents on social media showed the Aniza River overflowing its banks, with extensive flooding and damaged infrastructure across the affected communities.
Celestinu Mengu, Speaker of Kebhu Rigangi, described the disaster as devastating and appealed for immediate assistance. “This disaster swept away many animals and crops, leaving our people devastated. We appeal for support from our district leadership,” Mengu said.
He noted that the kingdom has experienced destructive flooding linked to the Aniza and Ora rivers since the 1960s.
Meanwhile, Hassan Ringtho, the Zombo District Vice LCV Chairperson, urged Alangi Sub-county leaders to compile a comprehensive damage assessment report for submission to the district, which will then forward it to the Office of the Prime Minister for emergency intervention.
“The sub-county leadership should urgently prepare a report so that the district can forward it to the Office of the Prime Minister for consideration,” Ringtho said.
Environmental experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of floods and hailstorms in Zombo District to extensive deforestation and degradation of forest reserves since the early 2000s, which has reduced the area’s natural protection against extreme weather events.
The latest disaster follows similar incidents in Padea Town Council and the devastating 2024 hailstorm in Abanga Sub-county, which destroyed crops in the parishes of Serr and Pakadha, raising renewed concerns over the district’s preparedness for climate-related disasters.
District leaders have repeatedly cited inadequate funding for disaster preparedness and response, warning that communities remain highly vulnerable to recurring extreme weather events.
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