At least five people have been confirmed dead following the evacuation of patients from wards at Kilembe Hospital in Kasese District.

On Thursday, flash floods led to the temporary closure of Kilembe Hospital after the heavy rains burst the banks of River Nyamwamba.

The patients died during the evacuation process from the wards to other facilities. About 195 patients at the hospital have been evacuated to other facilities including Masereka medical center in Kasese town and others to St Paul’s Health Center.

Officials confirm that one of the person who died was on oxygen support at the time of evacuation. The wards were flooded with water after rivers Nyamwamba and Nyamugasana burst their banks due to the heavy down pour..

Over 18,000 people have been affected by the floods in Kasese District.