EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE — At least one person was reported dead in Rubagabaga cell-Karangazi sector in Wednesday’s heavy rainfall.

According to residents, the torrential fall with heavy storm injured two others, destroyed banana and cassava plantations and ruined 16 houses, leaving families homeless.
The dead was identified as Didas Barihamwe, 33, of Rugarama sector of Gatsibo district.

While the injured included a woman only identified as Maria, and Vianney Kansime, currently admitted at Nyagatare Hospital.

When The New Times visited the scene, on Thursday, people were trying to repair the devastated houses and looking in disbelief at the several hectares of banana and cassava plantations destroyed.

The deceased was reportedly hit in the forehead by iron sheets after the storm ruined a house. After being hit, he was reportedly rushed to Nyagatare hospital where he died shortly after arriving.

Despite the heavy winds, Silver Sengiyunva, the Cell executive secretary attributed the fall of the houses to weak building materials and lack of wind breakers in the area.

"The wind was strong yesterday [Wednesday] but the problem is that residents constructed their houses using frail blocks, and the area has no trees which could break such devastating winds,” he said.

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