NYAGATARE - One thousand iron sheets were given to victims of heavy rains that destroyed homes and plantations in Gashenyi cell, Rukomo sector, in Nyagatare District.

The district, in collaboration with the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness donated the iron sheets and other household utensils.

According to local residents, heavy rains characterised by strong winds began on Wednesday evening, destroying 47 houses, 20 hectares of plantations and injured seven people.

"It started normally, but later, strong winds dominated. We sought refuge at neighbour’s immediately after my house was destroyed,” said one of the victims.

The district vice Mayor in charge of economic affairs, Stanley Muganwa, called on residents to intervene and give a helping hand to the victims.

"These people whose homes and properties were destroyed are your neighbours...fellow Rwandans and relatives. You should be the first to intervene by giving them shelter and any other assistance,” he said.

The vice mayor urged residents to always plant trees around their homes to protect themselves from the wind.

RDF commander in the district, Lt. Col. Saidi Muvunyi, pledged military assistance in planting trees around the area to prevent further disasters.

Denise Umwali, in charge of good governance at the province, counselled the victims and pledged provincial support in getting them shelter.

Apart from destroyed houses, over 17 shops were also destroyed by floods in Rukomo trading centre.

Ends