NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI- A family of eight was killed on Monday in Cyamuhinda Cell of Muko Sector, in Gicumbi District, when torrential rains caused a landslide that swept away their house.

Valens Rudakubana aged 69, who survived the tragedy, is currently admitted at Muko Health Centre, recovering from serious body injuries.

The landslide didn’t spare his wife, his daughters and four grand-children, including a house maid.

According to area residents who tried to help in the rescue, heavy rain that was accompanied by strong winds and a hailstorm destroyed property and crops.

"We saw the entire Rukazire Hill washed away and within seconds, Rudakubana’s house was swept away by floods,” said one resident.

The dead include 65-year old Joyce Mukabugingo who was Rudakubana’s wife, their daughters Beatrice Nyirabahutu, 25 and Faith Uwimana, 17.

Other victims are grandsons Phrodis Irakoze 3, Baraka Nisingizwe 4 and granddaughters Pacifique Mukandayisenga, 10 and Yvonne Muhawenayo, 15.

The landslide also claimed the life of Pauline Uwamurera, who was a house maid at Rudakubana’s family. 

The bereaved family was on Tuesday visited by the Minister of Internal Security Musa Fazil Harerimana, in the company of Governor Aimé Bosenibamwe.

"This tragedy is a big blow to the entire nation, which is why we need to take urgent measures to relocate residents to safer places far from the hills to avoid such tragedies,” said Harerimana.

The Ministry of Internal Security met the burial expenses and pledged assistance to survivors of the landslide.

The deceased were buried at Cyamuhinda cell of Muko Sector on Tuesday evening.

Ends