Nyamasheke- At least 96 families are stranded in Nyamasheke District after heavy rains destroyed their houses.

The rains also damaged 11 classrooms, electric poles, crops, including a 53 hector banana plantation and ready-to-harvest maize.  

Residents in the affected sectors of Shangi, Kagano, Gihombo and Mahembe, are now living with neighbours, awaiting a solution from the district. 

"The rainfall was characterized by hailstones and strong winds, even strong houses wouldn’t survive,” a resident said. 

The Executive Secretary for Nyamasheke District, Jean Pierre Ndagirimana, urged the residents to settle in less dangerous areas. 

"Avoid building on steep slopes and areas famous for strong winds,” he advised  

Heavy rains are common in the districts of Nyamasheke and Rusizi which are partially surrounded by Nyungwe forest.

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