A leading humanitarian group has warned that a massive aid effort is needed to cope with floods in 18 countries across Africa that have already affected at least 1.5m people and killed nearly 300.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that the situation is expected to worsen, with more rain forecast in coming weeks.
Emergency food, shelter and clean water supplies are needed, as well as pre-positioned stocks, flood-proof wells and other measures to prepare for wider flooding, according to the agency.
At least 270 people have died as result of the floods and waterborne disease.
Uganda declared a state of emergency yesterday across several northern and eastern regions worst-hit by the rains and floods.
The World Food Programme has organised food drops to 30,000 people whose villages have been cut off.
Aid workers say they fear the death toll could rise sharply as diseases threaten the parts of the east African country.
The Ugandan move followed in the steps of the west African state of Ghana which declared a state of emergency earlier following exceptional floods in the north of the country.
The rains were due to ease in many areas today but have worsened instead. On top of that, hailstorms and landslides have compounded the problems, destroying water and drainage systems. The UN is warning that diseases such as cholera could now follow.
