Rains and floods disrupt east African transport networks

Torrential rain and floods have caused severe disruption to transport networks throughout east Africa.

Two bridges have been destroyed on the main road linking Kenya and Uganda -- the region's economic lifeline -- leaving more than four-hundred heavy cargo trucks destined for Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan and Congo-Kinshasa stranded at the border.

The Ugandan government says it is trying to put up a temporary bridge to allow the vehicles to pass.

In Tanzania, where the rail network has been suspended for three weeks because of flood damage, service on some lines resumed today.

Road traffic has also been restricted, with many roads submerged and ten bridges damaged.

Prices for food and other commodities have risen, and even doubled, in Tanzania.

Much east and central African trade passes through Tanzanian and Kenyan ports.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service