At least 75 householdsin Nyamata Sector, Bugesera District, on Thursday, received a total of 1,095 iron sheets worth Rwf5 million as support from government and World Vision to repair their houses.

The beneficiaries lost the roofing of their houses during a storm last month.

Leoncie Mukagasana, from Rusagara Village, thought her world had crumbled when a powerful storm blew off the roof of her house three weeks ago, leaving her family homeless.

"I was at home and I had hosted a meeting of our ‘ikimina’ of 42 people and we sat in my compound when a heavy storm approached. Before we knew it, the roof was blown away,” she said, adding that this was the fate of many of her neighbours.

With her baby strapped on her back, Mukagasana was beaming when she received the iron sheets to re-roof her house.

Life has not been easy for the past three weeks, she says, adding that she improvised with a tent in which she sheltered her family.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude to receive this support as I had lost hope within just few days,” she said.

Yvonne Nyirakanyana, another victim who received 10 pieces of iron sheets, said she will immediately repair the house.

Isabelle Mucyowera, the in-charge of rehabilitation of property destroyed by disasters at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, said they would partner with the district to embark on laying strategies for preventive measures against such disasters.

"We will mobilise people to plant more trees that will act as windbreakers during storms. At the same time it will help in bringing rain to the Bugesera area that is prone to prolonged dry spells,” she said.

Mucyowera added that the residents should also ensure their roof is tight enough to resist the winds.