Tragic Lightning Strike at Uganda Refugee Camp Kills 14, Injures 34
A devastating lightning strike at the Palabek Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda has claimed the lives of 13 children and one adult, leaving 34 others injured. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening during a church service, as heavy rains with thunder and lightning swept through the area.
Kituuma Rusoke, spokesperson for Uganda Police, confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that the victims were attending a prayer service in a makeshift metallic structure when the lightning struck at around 5:30 PM. The adult victim has been identified as a 21-year-old, while the exact ages of the children who perished have not yet been disclosed.
“The victims, yet to be identified, had gathered for prayers when the rain started around 5:00 PM, and the lightning thunder struck at 5:30 PM,” Rusoke stated on social media.
The Palabek Refugee Settlement, located near the border with South Sudan, is home to over 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have fled the ongoing instability in their home country. The settlement’s population is primarily composed of South Sudanese nationals who have sought refuge from the civil conflict that formally ended in 2020 but continues to create unrest.
This recent incident highlights the recurrent danger posed by lightning strikes in Uganda, especially during the wet seasons. In 2020, a lightning strike in the city of Arua, also in north-western Uganda, resulted in the deaths of 10 children who were playing football at the time. Earlier, in 2011, another tragic strike killed 18 children and their teacher.
The Palabek strike, which did not result in a fire, has once again drawn attention to the need for improved safety measures in lightning-prone regions. Uganda, situated in Africa’s central belt, is particularly susceptible to such deadly incidents.
The community at Palabek is now grappling with profound grief and shock. Local authorities and aid organizations are working to support the affected families and provide medical care to the injured. As investigations continue, there are calls for enhanced infrastructure and safety protocols to protect vulnerable populations from future lightning strikes.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic event,” Rusoke added. “We will continue to offer our support and ensure that such incidents are mitigated in the future.”
The Palabek Refugee Settlement and the broader Lamwo District community mourn the loss of their members and seek solace in the face of this heartbreaking disaster.
