A total of 22 health facilities were damaged by the devastating downpour that led to floods and landslides in the Western, Northern, and Southern provinces, according to health officials. The tragedy has already claimed the lives of 130 people. ALSO READ: Flood disaster: Kagame hails ongoing recovery efforts In Rutsiro district, 14 health centers are not accessible due to roads being damaged. Dr Edson Rwagasore, Division Manager of Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response, said: “The immediate plan for treating patients is air evacuation and air evacuation is being planned.” In Gicumbi district, the electric default in Cyumba health center was damaged due to thunder. However, the health facility continues to deliver services. The same happened to Kageyo health centre in Ngororero district but the health facility also continues to deliver services. ALSO READ: PM Ngirente attends burial of flood victims in Rubavu In Karongi district, in Musango health centre, the placenta pit was damaged and there is no other immediate plan rather than rebuilding the placenta pit. In Kiziba health centre, the fence was damaged, but the health facility continues to deliver services. There is a need to rebuild the fence. In Rubavu district, Karambo health post is not functional due to the landslides. In Nyabihu district, Shyira District Hospital, Shyira Health Center, and Shyira health post are not accessible due to over-flooding of the bridge. As of now, there is no immediate plan in place for the patients’ treatment. “We had to suspend operations due to the extensive damage caused by the landslides,” said Dr Oreste Tuganeyezu, the Director General of Gisenyi Hospital. “This has affected the delivery of medical services to the local residents and we are working around the clock to find a solution.” Dr Tuganeyezu emphasized that the situation is still manageable as affected residents are relocated to temporary camps where they are receiving basics from the government. ALSO READ: PICTORIAL: Heavy rains devastate North, South and Western Rwanda The situation has left many residents having to walk long distances to access health facilities in neighbouring districts, increasing the risk of further health complications. “The situation is dire,” said Patient Hirwa, a resident of Rubavu district. “We have lost access to the nearest health facility and now we have to travel long distances to access medical care. This is not only inconvenient but also dangerous, especially for those with life-threatening conditions.” ALSO READ: Rubavu: Woman who lost husband, three children narrates ordeal The government has pledged to support affected health facilities and ensure that the residents of the most affected areas have access to medical care. Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente attended a burial ceremony for the victims killed by landslides and floods of the Sebeya River in Rubavu District. The government immediately put in place a new command centre that is actively coordinating emergency response, including evacuation and temporary relocation of residents from affected and high-risk areas while the rains are ongoing. Among other things, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management started providing critical aid to the victims of the floods and landslides who are in need. The initial first aid response provided included 60 tonnes of relief supplies – especially food supplies.
