At least fifty three houses were damaged and property yet to be assessed lost during heavy rains in Musanze District Monday night.

The affected families are from Gataraga and Busogo sectors. No casualties were recorded in the incident.

"37 houses were completely destroyed while 16 others were partially damaged. A number of livestock, crops and the families’ belongings yet to be assessed were also affected,” said Martin Ntirenganya, the Social Protection Officer in Musanze District.

He said that the district and other concerned institutions were assessing the cost of the lost property.

Those who were affected described the rains as heavy, windy and destructive saying it was for God’s mercy that it claimed no lives.

"I am left with nothing as all my belongings were washed away together with my house. I have no mattress, no beed sheets, no kitchen utensils, nothing. I just have these clothes I am wearing,” said Marie Josee Yampiriye, one of those affected.

She called on concerned institutions for support such as food as well as means to get new shelter as soon as possible.

Officials said that the affected families will receive direct support to help them in the recovery process.

Philippe Habinshuti, the Director of Disaster Response and Recovery at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees (MIDMAR) said that the ministry would provide basic materials as a direct response as plans to support the affected families in the longer term are being arranged.

"We will offer tents, blankets and kitchenware which they will be using as we are in disaster response process before we go to recovery process. The victims will also receive food from the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said In the recovery process, Habinshuti said, families will start constructing their houses and be given iron sheets.

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