18 killed, 100 injured after heavy rains in Uganda

Eighteen people have been confirmed dead following heavy rains overnight in two districts in eastern Uganda, authorities said on Tuesday.

Michael Kasadha, police spokesperson for Busoga North Region, told Xinhua by telephone that 13 people died in Buyende district while five others died in Kamuli district on Monday night.

"After the heavy rains on Monday night, the area was flooded. Most of the victims were hit by house walls while others, especially children, died of suffocation," Kasadha said.

About 100 others were admitted at different hospitals in the region, he said.

Police said the affected areas were located in low lands near Lake Kyoga.

Earlier, the Office of the Prime Minister said a team had been dispatched to the area to distribute relief items to the survivors.