Six people were killed and another injured after torrential rain and strong winds hit Murama Sector in Kayonza District on Thursday, October 16.
According to Kayonza District Mayor, John Bosco Nyemazi, the downpour began around 2:30pm and was accompanied by a windstorm and flash floods that destroyed houses and swept through farms.
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“The rain was heavy and came with strong winds and floods that took lives, injured others, and caused extensive damage,” Nyemazi told The New Times on Friday morning.
He added that eight houses were destroyed, while six goats, three pigs, and several chickens were killed. Crops on about 20 hectares of farmland, including banana plantations, were also destroyed.
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“The affected families are being assisted by local authorities. We are working with the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) to support them and to continue raising awareness on preventive measures such as improving water drainage and reinforcing house roofs,” Nyemazi said.
He noted that burial arrangements for the victims were still underway, while the injured one is in hospital.
Earlier this month, Kayonza also experienced a rain-related incident when eight football fans were struck by lightning on October 1 while watching a CAF Champions League match between APR FC and Egypt’s Pyramids FC at a bar in Kabarondo Sector.
