After devastating floods and landslides tore through the country, killing at least 130 people and displacing thousands of others, Rwandans wept on Thursday for their lost loved ones and destroyed homes.
Families were getting ready to bury their deceased in the wake of a natural calamity brought on by excessive rains in the steep and rocky area, and the government was still calculating the cost.
In various areas of the country, particularly the Western Province near Lake Kivu where the worst devastation was observed, rivers of mud swept away homes and other infrastructure and shut off roadways.
Anonciata, one of the victims in the hard-hit district of Karongi, said: “I found my child buried under rocks and bricks that fell on him during the heavy rains. He died at the hospital.
“It is very devastating for our family. One of my other children also got badly injured in the head. I pray he survives.”
Survivors in Rubavu, another severely damaged district, were thanking their lucky stars as they tried to comprehend the scope of the devastation.
READ ALSO: UNICAL installs Emir of Kano as 6th Chancellor
When her neighbours warned her that the river was flooding at midnight, Jacqueline Mukamana hurried outside—only for her house to be washed away.
“Our house, and everything (else), has been destroyed,” Mukamana said.
Another resident, Paul Bizimana, was grateful he managed to get his family out: “I managed to rescue my kids and family members… at least they are safe.”
Emergency supplies were being rushed by the authorities to the worst affected regions, where refugees are taking refuge in tents.
They have been warned to stay put until the rain ends out of concern for additional mudslides and flooding caused by still-raging rivers and unstable terrain.
“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.”
2,500 additional dwellings have suffered partial damage, according to a government count.
According to Mukuralinda, 36 of the 77 injured in the incident are still being treated for critical injuries in hospitals.
On Thursday, it’s anticipated that Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente would visit some of the hardest-hit areas.
Get Faster News Update On: WhatsApp and Telegram
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without written permission from CONVERSEER. Read our Terms Of Use.
