KARONGI —  One person was killed and 35 hectares of crops were destroyed by heavy rains in Rubengera Sector, Karongi district last week, authorities said yesterday. 

The affected crops include banana plantations, maize, beans and fruits like tomatoes and carrots

The deceased whose names were not readily available by press time left behind two children and another adult who also sustained major injuries and are currently admitted at Kibuye Hospital.

According to Emile Rukesha, the Executive Secretary of Rubengera Sector, the incident which occurred in Gitwa village has caused great loss to the residents.

"The local population has been shocked by the unexpected loss which has now become a major challenge amid escalating poverty among the residents,” he said.

Samuel Niyonshuti, one of the affected farmers, could not hide his frustration when The New Times visited his destroyed garden.

"I had planted 10 hectares of maize and now everything is gone,” Niyonshuti lamented.

After visiting the affected region, Mukabarisa Simbi Dative, Karongi district vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs told The New Times that plans were under way to help the affected families.

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