Reporter Laura takes on Uganda role

By jonpaul hedge jphedge@heraldexpress.co.uk

HERALD Express Teignbridge reporter Laura Dale has been dispatched to Uganda as part of a two-man ShelterBox response team after deadly landslides killed 97.

Lustleigh-raised Laura is now assessing the worst affected areas and trying to get shelter to those who need it most.

With their assistance, 200 boxes were due to fly out to the country today.

Laura is based in Mbale, in Uganda's east, the closest city to the Bududa region which was hit by the landslides.

Torrential rains in the areas surrounding Mt Elgon caused flooding and a deadly landslide.

A camp has been set up in Bulucheke for close to 3,000 people although it is feared this number could rise to 5,000. Of the 3,000 people in the camp, close to 1,300 are children.

Speaking from the camp, she said: "A mudslide came down one side of the mountain and wiped out an entire valley and three schools. Around 97 people were killed, 63 of them children. They think 400 people are still missing.

"It was pretty intense going around the camp, the people have been through an awful lot.

"Aid is coming through but it is not enough yet. We can help."

Laura, who is also studying for a masters in international development alongside her work at the paper, said large tents are currently housing 100 people at a time in very cramped conditions.

"At the moment women and children are separated from the men," she said.

"Husbands are separated from their wives and children. Families are divided up. We are sending out tents to help reunite families and regain a sense of community.

"Also a lot of children have been affected and we are looking for the classroom in a box packs to be dispatched. This landslide has had a really big impact on the area."

After their initial assessment Laura and her colleague Stuart Oates returned to the capital to get through the paperwork, working with the Uganda Red Cross to ensure the boxes get through customs and are delivered to the people who need it most.