Heavy rains destroy crops, displaces families

NYAGATARE – About 33 families were displaced and over 320 hectares of plantations were destroyed in Nyagatare district by the recent heavy down pour, authorities say. According to the District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Enock Byabashaija, the displaced families were from Tabagwe sector, while crops destroyed were in Karama sector. 

Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The heavy rains swept away hundreds of hectares of maize farms.(Photo: D. Ngabonziza)

NYAGATARE – About 33 families were displaced and over 320 hectares of plantations were destroyed in Nyagatare district by the recent heavy down pour, authorities say. 

According to the District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Enock Byabashaija, the displaced families were from Tabagwe sector, while crops destroyed were in Karama sector. 

‘These families have been residing in swampy areas but we have now relocated them.They were displaced by heavy rains that flooded Umuvumba River,’ he said. 

Residents said Rukomo and Mimuli sectors in the same district were also affected by the heavy rains that pounded the area last Sunday night. 

‘This river has flooded due to heavy rains…most of the crops like maize have been washed away. We are left counting heavy losses,’ one of the residents in Rukomo sector said. 

Speaking to The New Times, Karama sector Executive Secretary, Stanley Muganwa said that the affected residents were mostly from the cells of Kyenkwanzi, Kabuga, Bushara and Gikundamvura. 

‘This is a very serious disaster that we have experienced. Hundreds of hectares of residents’ plantations were destroyed by heavy rains,’ he said. 

He however, added that the sector is jointly working with the district to establish the worst affected residents in dire need of  support.

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