At least 13 people have been killed in a landslide in eastern Uganda, but officials fear that the true number of dead is much higher as at least 40 houses were swept away.

The landslides triggered by heavy rainfall affected multiple villages in the Bulambuli district, about 280 km (178 miles) from the capital Kampala.

The Ugandan Red Cross Society said at least 13 people have died, but AFP has reported the death toll could be as high as 30 people.

A rescue operation is underway, the Ugandan Red Cross Society said on X.

Most of the bodies recovered have been of children, according to local newspaper the Daily Monitor. Dozens of people are still unaccounted for.

Heavy rainfall has inundated the East African country for the last few days.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a disaster warning on X.

Riverbanks have burst, flooding schools and churches, destroying bridges, and isolating communities.

The military has been deployed to assist with search and recovery efforts.