Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente has attended the burial of 13 victims of the landslides and floods in Rubavu District where he conveyed a message of condolences from President Kagame to the bereaved families and expressed gratitude to the residents who were the first to intervene in rescuing and supporting their neighbors.
On May 2nd and 3rd, 2023, heavy rains caused landslides and floods in several districts of Northern, Western, and Southern Provinces of Rwanda, resulting in at least 130 deaths, with 77 people injured, 36 hospitalized, and 5 people still missing as of May 4th, 2023.
Rubavu, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Gakenke, Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe are the most affected districts.
The burial was also attended by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief Defence Staff , Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, DCGP Felix Namuhorany and other top government officials.
Survivors narrated their ordeal and commended the government for standing in solidarity with them during these trying times.
The government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the victims while grieving family will also receive financial assistance of Rwf100,000 per deceased person.
Apart from the loss of lives; the disasters destroyed over 5100 houses and ravaged 17 roads.
Out of the 5,174 houses that were destroyed; 3,371 are from Rubavu district.
It is reported that more 2,510 houses were severely damaged and may collapse soon.
So far, 1,541 evacuated individuals have been at 11 designated safe areas equipped with beddings and tents. Others have been accommodated by religious institutions, schools, or kind-hearted neighbors.
The disasters also affected several infrastructures, including eight national highways, nine roads at district level, 26 bridges, six water treatment plants, and some medical facilities such as the Shyira Hospital, five health centers, and two health posts.
The government has set up a new command center to coordinate emergency responses, including the evacuation and temporary relocation of residents in affected and high-risk areas during the rains.
The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has started providing essential aid to people in need, including shelter, food, and other necessary supplies such as hygiene and cooking items. The first response in terms of first aid includes 30 tons of corn flour and 30 tons of beans.
The general public has been urged to remain cautious and vacate high-risk zones to prevent more losses of lives.
