By Afayo Shadrach Bethel

The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, has directed locals living near river banks in Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions to immediately vacate such areas as heavy rain continues to pound.

Ms Nabbanja made the remarks during her visit to Mbale City yesterday to assess the damage caused by Sunday nights heavy downpour where she said the disaster was a result of environmental degradation reminding the communities to start respecting nature to avoid climate change effects.

The floods that ravaged Mbale City have left over 20 people dead and several others misssing following the bursting of banks of rivers Nabuyonga, Namatala and Namatso

The prime minsiter said the government is engaging police and UPDF leadership to send a team of experts, including marine officers to recover the missing bodies.