NYAMASHEKE:24 families displaced by natural disasters.

In one of the sectors of Nyamasheke district, 24 families were displaced this Sunday after their houses were destroyed by strong winds. They since been sheltered by their neighbors.

Some residents have expressed their desire for district leaders to help them get roofing materials so they can reintegrate their children into their families.

One resident from Gihombo said:”The place where my neighbor is sheltering is small. It’s like sleeping outside because of the limited space. We had to give the space to the children and I don’t have the means to build a house for myself right now.”

Similarly , another resident added: “In our cell about eight houses were destroyed . We’re particularly living outside because some have large families and those who are hosting them also need to use their own houses.”

MUHAYEYEZU Joseph Desire, the vice mayor of Nyamashek district in charge of economic development , stated that the heavy rain was accompanied by strong winds which destroyed mostly old and poorly-roofed houses. Those with roofs that were not properly secured were also hit letting in rainwater and leading to collapse. However , he mentioned that the victims have been temporarily sheltered by neighbors.

He said:

“The urgent need is to find them shelter, and that process is underway. A district team is currently assessing the damage and needs, so people can be supported in finding a place to stay.”

He also advised people who haven’t been affected yet to take prevent measures , noting that many houses damaged in disasters often had unsecured roofing.

He mentioned the cost of securing roofs, saying it takes about 7,500 RWF, while repairing an entire house can cost between 500,000 RWF and 1 million RWF.

He warned residents that prevention is better than cure, urging those still living in high-risk zones to move as soon as possible to avoid future disasters. He also appreciated families who had managed to host those affected by the calamity.

Nyamasheke district is one of the seven district in Rwanda’s Western Province. Its headquarters are located in Kagano Sector. The district is made up of 15 sectors. The ones most affected by this disaster include Kirimbi, Kanjoro, Macuba and Gihombo, and the district is working in collaboration with the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA).