MOH WARNS OF POSSIBLE BLINDNESS FROM SOLAR ECLIPSE. The Ministry of Health is warning against watching of the solar eclipse without eye protection saying it could lead to an epidemic of blind people in Uganda. On the 3rd of November the world shall witness a total solar eclipse, an extraordinary physiological phenomenon of the movement of the solar system. In the process the moon shields the sun and creates a temporary darkness. Most of the eclipse will occur over the Atlantic Ocean with only a landfall in Africa across a large area of sparsely inhabited rain forest of Congo. The hybrid eclipse is the rarest of the four types of the solar eclipses. Dr Issa Makumbi, the head of epidemiology and surveillance at the Ministry of Health, says that once a person is affected by the light there is no cure since it causes permanent blindness. Government is therefore going to provide safe viewing gadgets, but Makumbi warns that those who cannot afford or access the safe viewing gadgets should use a basin full of water to see the 30 second event through the water. The Ministry of Health promises to provide medical assistance to any casualties and ready ambulances for quick evacuation. According to the US space organization, the National Space Agency—NASA, only seven of its kind have taken place in the past 2000 years. The last hybrid solar eclipse is believed to have occurred on March 16th 1466 and the next one will occur 104 years later. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister for Tourism says Uganda has been identified as the best location in the world to view the eclipse specifically giving the vantage points as Pakwach, Arua, Soroti, Masindi and Gulu. However, Pakwach is the best of all particularly at Owiny primary school around 4:15 pm. The solar eclipse is expected to attract over 30,000 tourists which is expected to boost tourism in Uganda. In commemoration of Uganda’s hosting of the total solar eclipse the government is putting up a monument at Owiny primary school. The State Minister for Energy Simon D’Ujanga also promised the availability of power in Pakwach for the solar eclipse period. Grace Turyagumanawe, the Assistant Inspector General of Police said they are beefing up security in the area and border areas ahead of the event. Fred Omach, state Minister for Finance mentioned other sites including Jukia hills, gorges of the rift valley, and Lake Albert among others that can be visited by tourists before and after viewing of the eclipse.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 06:25:17 +0000
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