At least five people were killed and 65 houses destroyed following last week’s downpour in different parts of the country, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs.

The five victims died after a mine caved in in Muhanga District,while the properties destroyed include 56 houses and 12 classrooms in Kinyinya and Gisozi sectors in Gasabo District, and nine houses in Nyanza District.

Speaking to The New Times, Philip Habinshuti, the director of disaster response and recovery unit at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, said Thursday’s windy rain destroyed residential houses and ripped off classroom roofs.

"An assessment of damages is ongoing. Houses have been destroyed and classrooms damaged. The damaged properties are located in different parts of the country,” he said.

Habinshuti said a mine caved in following the heavy rainfall, killing five people who were engaged in illegal mining.

"After it stopped raining, seven people entered the mine illegally. The mine was closed, but they entered secretly. It immediately caved in and killed five. Two others survived and were taken to hospital.”

Renovating damaged houses

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, in collaboration with local leaders and citizens, on Saturday started renovating damaged houses and classrooms.

"During community work, we joined Kinyinya residents to renovate the damaged houses. The residents whose houses were damaged were given iron sheets. We also gave other support so that the renovation of the houses should be quickly done,” Habinshuti said.

More support is being organised to help the affected.

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