The Government of Rwanda has responded to the deadly flooding and landslides that wreaked havoc in parts of Western, Northern and Southern provinces earlier this week with a major relief effort, involving setting up temporary shelters for victims, supplying household items, provision of clean water, healthcare services, among others. In the wake of the disasters, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente led a high-powered government delegation, including cabinet ministers as well as the Chief of Defence Staff of Rwanda Defence Force Gen Jean-Bosco Kazura and Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye, to the affected regions to offer sympathies and oversee relief operations. Ngirente and his entourage were left rain-drenched Thursday as they visited villages and homes to reassure residents of government support and condole with those grieving their loved ones. ALSO READ: Kagame says personally following up on response effort ALSO READ: Pope Francis praying for Rwanda flood victims In the immediate aftermath of the tragic rains and landslides, the government established a command centre to coordinate the ensuing response effort, which has since offered household items like beddings, clothes and utensils to thousands of victims. Among the key interventions include rescue efforts in areas where people were still trapped under rubble, as well as restoration of electricity and water supplies. Up to 130 people are known to have lost their lives, while more than 5,000 houses have been destroyed. The New Times’ videographer Olivier Mugwiza is on the ground and used his camera to capture the response effort as it unfolded.
