At least 10 people have been killed after heavy rains in hilly eastern Uganda triggered flooding that burst river banks and submerged homes and roads this morning.

Local reporters have also added that the death toll is likely to rise as they’ve spotted bodies being washed away in the torrents.

Reports indicate that all victims lived in the neighboring districts of Kapchorwa and Mbale.

Mbale and nearby districts are particularly vulnerable to flooding deaths because many residents have built homes by river banks and in the rugged foothills of Mount Elgon.

Further reports have also outlined that hundreds have responded to the government’s call to be relocated over the years, some continue to resist, saying they aren’t comfortable leaving their ancestral lands.

Meanwhile, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja has indicated that increased efforts will be made to ramp up rescuing the remaining victims.