Africa
At Least 14 Dead in Tragic Lightning Strike at Refugee Camp in Uganda
A lightning strike at a Ugandan refugee camp has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, sparking concerns over safety measures for vulnerable populations. Learn more about the incident and efforts to protect refugees from natural disasters.
Police reported on Sunday that a lightning strike in a refugee camp in northern Uganda killed at least 14 people, including several children.
According to officials, the victims lived in the Palabek settlement camp, which mainly accommodates individuals displaced from South Sudan.
While attending a prayer service in a makeshift metallic structure on Saturday night, they were struck by lightning.
The camp is located on the Ugandan side of the border with South Sudan and accommodates approximately 80,000 people.
According to police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke, 34 additional individuals sustained injuries and have been taken to local health centers for treatment.
The identities of the victims have not yet been determined.
In Uganda, fatal lightning incidents are frequently reported during the rainy seasons.