On Thursday, Rwandan communities mourned the loss of their loved ones and homes destroyed by the devastating floods and landslides that swept through the country.
The natural disaster claimed the lives of no less than 130 people and displaced thousands of others who are now without a place to call home.
77 people were hurt in the disaster, including 36 who are still in hospital with serious injuries. The government’s official count indicates that an additional 2,500 homes suffered partial damage from the natural disaster.
Several regions of Rwanda, especially the Western Province that borders Lake Kivu were hit the hardest by the floods and landslides. The natural disaster caused rivers of mud to wash away homes, infrastructure, and roads, cutting off access to several areas.
Read Also: Kenyan Driver Miraculously Rescued by Daring Pilots after Truck is Swept by Raging Floods
“I found my child buried under rocks and bricks that fell on him during the heavy rains. He died at the hospital,” Anonciata, who only gave one name, told AFP in the hard-hit district of Karongi.
“It is very devastating for our family. One of my other children also got badly injured on the head. I pray he survives.”
Several regions of Rwanda, especially the Western Province that borders Lake Kivu, were hit the hardest by the floods and landslides.
The natural disaster caused rivers of mud to wash away homes, infrastructure, and roads, cutting off access to several areas.
The district of Rubavu was also heavily impacted by the natural disaster, and those who survived were left to grapple with the enormity of the damage. Despite the devastation, some survivors were trying to remain optimistic and counting their blessings.
A resident, Jacqueline Mukamana, was forced to flee her home at midnight after her neighbors warned her of the rising floodwaters. However, despite her efforts to escape, her home was eventually swept away by the flooding river.
“Our house, and everything (else), has been destroyed,” she said.
Over 5,100 homes were destroyed by the floods.
The Rwandan government had launched a massive relief effort, with emergency services teams and volunteers working around the clock to provide food, shelter, and medical aid to the affected communities.
The government had also urged residents to remain there till the rain stops.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel Switch TV
“The death toll is now 130 people. We do not know the total number of homeless people at the moment, but counting is ongoing,” Alain Mukuralinda, deputy government spokesperson, told AFP.
“What we know is that over 5,100 homes were destroyed and they all had families living in them.”
The Rwandan government has announced that it will provide compensation of 100,000 Rwandan francs ($110) to families for each relative killed in the recent disaster.
Unfortunately, East Africa frequently experiences fatal weather conditions during the rainy seasons. Uganda, for example, also recently experienced six deaths due to landslides.
Similarly, last month, heavy rains resulted in floods and landslides that claimed at least 14 lives in southern Ethiopia, with numerous houses damaged and hundreds of livestock killed.
