Rwf80m earmarked for flood victims

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) has allocated over Rwf 80 million to aid flood victims in the districts of Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu.

Friday, April 20, 2012

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) has allocated over Rwf 80 million to aid flood victims in the districts of Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu.The floods emanating from the neighbouring Virunga Mountains last week claimed the lives of two children and left scores of residents homeless and crops destroyed.According to the statement from the relevant ministry, the money will provide rapid assistance to floods victims."The allocated budget is in line with a decision taken by the Prime Minister, and National Disaster Steering Committee of Ministers in Musanze last Saturday,” reads part of the statement."The money will be used to buy iron sheets, food stuff and other essential items needed by the victims.”According to reports from the three districts, 265 houses were completely destroyed, 504 damaged and 876 hectares of crops destroyed.MIDIMAR management meeting held on Tuesday decided to provide rapid aid of 11,925 iron sheets, in not later than two weeks, to facilitate those whose houses were destroyed get new shelter.District authorities are currently identifying the affected population and relocating to safer areas those living in high risk zones.The Ministry will use part of the funds to provide food items to affected families for a period of three weeks