The United States Ambassador to Rwanda Peter Vrooman on Thursday authorised disbursement of over Rwf43 million for immediate emergency response to destruction caused by recent heavy rain storms.

The relief funds will aid families with needs identified by the Government of Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), according to a statement.

The aid was provided to CARE International in Rwanda (CARE Rwanda) to provide emergency relief supplies and conduct gender based violence prevention and referrals for households in Nyabihu District.

These supplies include items such as sleeping mats, saucepans, blankets, mosquito nets, mattresses for pregnant women, jerrycans and hygiene products.

The start of Rwanda’s first rainy season has been marked by heavy rains that have caused flooding, the destruction of housing, crops, bridges, and loss of life.

According to MIDIMAR, at least 200 people have been killed and 9,974 houses destroyed or damaged since the beginning of January as a result of rain-induced disasters.

The rains have also damaged roads, bridges, livestock, water supply lines, electrical lines, schools, and churches, among others.

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