A heavy downpour in Gikonko sector in Gisagara District, Southern Rwanda, has destroyed homes, schools, and other commercial buildings.
“It’s devastating. My house and properties were left in shatters. I have nowhere to go,” said a shocked victim.
According to the Kigali Today correspondent in the area, at least five schools, 13 houses and many more commercial buildings were destroyed and debris scarred allover the village.
Part of a computer training centre that was destroyed.
Speaking to KT Press this afternoon, Clemence Gasengayire, the Head Teacher of Kansi Secondary School, which is among those destroyed, said that the incident happened in the wee hours of last night while students were in dormitories.
“Students started running all over. Some of them have been hospitalised after sustaining injuries,” she said.
At least 60 students were hospitalized, but all have been discharged by press time except for two.
At a nearby school, a computer training centre was also left destroyed. “We are counting millions of francs loss here,” Said Theogene Nganizi, a computer technician at the centre.
The district says it worked around the clock to ensure displaced families get shelter.
“We are renting available houses to ensure the victims are temporarily sheltered,” Donathile Uwingabire, Gisagara Vice-Mayor in charge of Social Affairs told KT Press.
Philipe Habinshuti, Head of Disaster Intervention Unit at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs said strong measures have been put in place to contain disasters.
“It’s not easy to fully prepare for any disaster, but we have done our best and the result is notable.”
Students stranded after Heavy rains destroyed school.
The Southern Province is prone to heavy rains, thunders and landslides and has always been hit by floods, landslides and heavy winds.
For the past three years, Rwanda has lost over Rwf5 billion ($7.3 million) in disasters.
School roofings were wiped out as a result of strong winds
