Heavy rains destroy 53 houses

RUBAVU - Heavy rains that hit Rubavu district over the weekend have left 53 houses and 257 hectares of crops destroyed, local officials said. Residents continue to live in uncertainty as projections show that the downpour is yet to come. Authorities are planning to meet humanitarian agencies to come up with precautionary measures and a rescue plan for those affected so far. “My house was destroyed by this rain that came with heavy wind, and now I have to live with my neighbour, unfortunately this house might also collapse any time when the rain strikes again,” said Rurangwa Kageruka one of the victims. The district authorities say they are yet to come up with an emergency plan to rescue those who were left homeless by the weekend rains. “We don’t have any means to help the affected to date, however, we are preparing a meeting with humanitarian agencies to see how these people can be helped in the shortest period possible,” said Pierre Twagirayezu, the district mayor. As the district ponders on ways of how these people can be helped, heavy clouds continue to engulf Rubavu skies threatening again to wash away crops in Cyanzarwe sector as a result of soil erosion. Rwanda Red Cross officials told The New Times that their offices are doing everything possible to avail tents and food staff to help those affected. “We shall by the end of today give them food, soap, blankets and tents. We are waiting for the blankets to arrive from Kigali.We have even written to other organisations like the World Food Programme to intervene,” Jean Bosco Musana of Rwanda Red Cross said. According to Musana, the worst is still to come, and there is a need to prepare in advance depending on terrain. Ends

National

Heavy rains destroy 53 houses