Shyira Diocese of the Anglican Church has donated more than 14 tonnes of assorted groceries, including corn, beans and maize flour, to victims of the recent disaster that hit Gakenke District hardest.

The relief, which also included soap, beddings and kitchenware, was handed over to the residents by Bishop Laurent Mbanda, who heads the diocese.

In Gakenke alone, the landslides claimed 35 lives, destroyed 460 houses and 1,250 hectares of gardens while several feeder roads were rendered impassable after several bridges were destroyed.

Mbanda said donating such materials to victims of landslides was a church’s obligation whenever it has capacity to do so.

Bishop Mbanda added that it is important for every human being, especially Christians, to help the needy as an act of compassion.

"Disaster washed out your belongings, we prayed for you but also prayed to be able to come and give you material support in a way we can. We want you to know that we are praying for you and we love you,” Mbanda told the residents.

Also present at the handover was Deogratias Nzamwita, the mayor of Gakenke, and Evergiste Gasasa, the executive secretary of Busengo Sector, who both thanked the church for the gesture.

Nzamwita said thousands of residents still need relief and other kinds of support.

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