At least 122 homes have been damaged by heavy rains and windstorms that hit Kirehe and Rwamagana district in the last three days.Residents said the wind was responsible for greater property loss than rain.The most affected sectors are Mushikiri, Mahama and Nyarubuye of Kirehe District, where several families were left stranded on Wednesday evening when rainstorm damaged their homes and uprooted crops. The rains also destroyed more than 50 hectares of banana plantation, killed three cows and seriously injured one man in Nyarubuye sector whose names were not readily available.Judith Mukansanga, 63, a resident of Nyabitare Village, was injured when a roof was blown off by the heavy wind.She said the wind swept through the village, leaving many running for safety. “When the rain started, I thought of hiding under the bed, but I was afraid. The wind blew the roof away and I was left in the roofless, ruined house. I later discovered I had been injured,” she said.Authorities to help“All my furniture, blankets and utensils were damaged and I do not have money to replace or repair them. I did not sustain any major injuries, but I am extremely shocked,” Mukansanga added.According to local leaders, the rain also destroyed classrooms and a Church building.Protais Murayire, the Kirehe mayor, said efforts were underway to help the affected families. “We urge community members to help one another and our sympathy go to all affected families. We shall organise special community work (Umuganda) to build for the affected,” he said. In Musha Sector of Rwamagana District, at least 30 families were left homeless.Rwamagana mayor Nehemie Uwimana said authorities were assessing the general damage caused by the rain.He appealed to those whose houses were destroyed by the rain to contact local leaders to register their damage.“We are working closely with the Ministry of Disaster Management to help the affected families,” Uwimana said.
