RWAMAGANA- People displaced by flood waters in Rwamagana District on Tuesday received relief supplies from the Ministry of Refugees and Disaster Preparedness and Rwanda Red Cross to alleviate their suffering.

Heavy rains and strong winds have devastated several villages in Rwamagana District. The floods affected more that 500 people and have caused many to seek shelter in relief assistance camps after more than 150 houses were destroyed.

The Mayor, Nehemie Uwimana, said the items including beddings, utensils, clothes and food were provided to the victims as the district seeks means to acquire iron sheets to facilitate them to reconstruct their houses.

Uwimana admitted that the district was overwhelmed by the disaster.

"This is more than we’ve dealt with in the past …it was unprecedented,” observed the Mayor.

The coordinator of Rwanda Red Cross in the area, Eugene Bwanakweli, promised more aid to the victims.

 "It is our obligation to help those in trouble. We spent Rwf 3 million on the flood victims. We expect to mobilise more for the same cause. We are not doing the victims a favour, it is our duty in any case,” he noted.

Eugenie Nyiramugabo, 37, a mother of six, however, told The New Times that accommodation remains their biggest challenge.

"We need iron sheets and bricks to rebuild our houses. We are sheltered by neighbours…so, more aid would be welcome,” she pleaded.

Ends