Landslides swallowed up 40 houses in six villages in eastern Uganda, killing at least 13 people

NAIROBI, Kenya — At least 13 people have been killed in eastern Uganda in landslides that destroyed 40 houses in six villages, humanitarian officials said on Thursday.

The Uganda Red Cross Society said 13 bodies had been recovered and rescue operations were continuing.

Local media reported that authorities expected the death toll to rise to 30.

The landslides occurred after heavy rains on Wednesday evening in the mountainous Bulambuli region, where landslides are common.

The prime minister’s office issued a disaster warning on Wednesday, saying heavy rains across the country had cut off major roads.