Five people in Nyarusiza sub-county in Kisoro district are feared dead and several others are missing after being swept away by running water on Monday evening. The most affected are residents of Koranya trading center in Buzeyi village, Rucantege, Rukeri Sooko, and Nyagihenge villages in Rukongi parish.
Bernard Mbereyinka, an eyewitness told our reporter that the running water resulting from heavy rains swept through Koranya trading center and later spread to neighboring villages. Mbereyinka says that the heavy downpour started around 05:00 PM on Monday evening and lasted for about four hours.
He says that the water was flowing from Mount Muhabuura and Mgahinga National park.
Alex Nambajimana, Kisoro District LC 5 Vice Chairman told our reporter that among the dead and missing are Rwandan nationals who have been renting in Koranya trading center, a woman, and two children who were inside their rooms.
He says that running water also cut off Nyarusiza-Mgahinga road. Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro District LC5 Chairman confirmed the incident, saying that they are yet to confirm the exact number of the dead and those missing.
Boaz Arinitwe, the Kisoro District Police Community Liaisons Officer, says that the Police Fire and Rescue team is heading to the area to help trace for the disaster victims. He says that police will make an official statement later.
Being close to Mount Muhabura, Nyarusiza sub-county is prone to such disasters. In March 2018, running water washed away a 7-year-old girl from Mwanjari-Lulembwe village. The incident occurred during a heavy downpour.
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