NYAGATARE - Officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees (MIDMAR), on Thursday, visited displaced victims of Wednesday’s heavy downpour in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District.

Officials in the district have reported that over 339 families were left homeless after heavy rains characterized by strong winds destroyed their houses and properties.

Flanked by other officials from the Ministries of Education, Local Government and district Mayor, the delegation visited various areas that were affected by the disaster, mostly in Gashenyi Cell, the sector’s main trading centre.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, Eric Budederi, the Head of Disaster Management in the ministry, said that the main visit to the affected areas was to look for immediate response to the victims.

"It’s terrible! We have come here to visit the victims and see what we can do immediately to calm the situation,” he said.

According to Budederi, compared to previous ones, this is the most serious disaster that has hit the area.

"We have been intervening in other disaster scenes, like the recent ones in the Western Province…but this was the most dangerous we have seen,” he noted.
Addressing the victims at the scene, Budederi promised them temporally shelter as the ministry looked for other solutions.

"We have already communicated to our partners and I am sure that you will get plastic tents for shelter in two days,” he promised.

He however challenged residents to always construct sturdier houses that suit the area as a way of preventing further disasters.

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