STUDY OF NATURAL DISASTERS AND OF THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION RWENZORI MOUNTAIN REGION

Abstract

Rwenzori Mountain is located in western part of Uganda and has richness in biodiversity which include many natural habitats of endangered species and unusual flora. On the mountains grows 278 species of woody plants, 81 % are endemic to East Africa. Natural hazards are becoming frequent along the slopes and contribute to the decline in biodiversity. In order to ensure environmental safety, the places of natural disasters, their causes and frequency should be set. This study is conducted for hazard registration and assessment the state of the environment along the Rwenzori slopes in districts of Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibugyo within a period of February 2017 to March 2018. Geo-observers used smart phones to record the coordinates where disasters occurred and they filled of close and open questionnaire with aid of KoBo application. Quantum GIS software was used for analyzing and managing received geospatial information, as well as its visualization. SPSS software (version 16.0) was used to generate descriptive statistics in frequency of disaster occurrence. Kasese slopes experienced 177 landslides, 29 windstorms 21 flash floods, 13 hailstorms, 1 earthquake, 6 lightening incidences and 14 occurrences of drought. While Kabarole slopes the least occurrences of disasters experienced. The most frequent of the disasters on the slopes of Rwenzori were landslides – 214 incidents, then windstorms – 51 incidents and flash floods – 36 incidents. Research shows that planting trees and shrubs can prevent or reduce the effects of several types of natural disasters. For develop natural protection technology and reduce the effects of natural disasters in the future is necessary to study potential of Ficus, Albizia julibrissin, Markhamia lutea and their characteristics such as growth rate and density of the root system and of the crowns, water absorption ability of the root system, mechanical strength and elasticity of tree (for that to resist the storm wind), etc.