A week after disastrous floods in Rwanda killed 131 people, Rwandan President Paul Kagame visited the Rubavu district, one of the three worst-affected areas.
On Friday, he assessed the Sebeya River’s devastation and visited with some of the camp’s displaced residents.
“We are as sad as you are to know that you are in this terrible situation,” President Kagame told the gathering.
“You should know that we are currently doing everything we can to help you and improve the situation.”
The Rwanda Housing Authority predicts that $30 million will be required to resettle displaced households whose homes were devastated by the Sebeya River’s roaring waters.
Following torrential rain in numerous parts of the East African nation, rivers of mud surged through settlements and shut off roadways, displacing around 9,000 people.
The President last visited the region in 2021, when the Nyiragongo volcano was erupting.
Locals greeted President Kagame.
“This visit (of Rwandan President Paul Kagame) is a great joy for us, because he has come to show us his solidarity,” said Byukusenge Emmanuel, a displaced person in the Inyemeramihigo camp.
“He has come to show us that we are not alone in this disastrous situation.”
Musabinema Divine, who is also in the camp, added: “In this camp we have no problems.
“The children have milk, biscuits, there is food for the adults too. We also have toilets. We are treated well here.”
The Sebeya River was the first site visited by President Kagame when he arrived in Rubavu, accompanied by ministers and local leaders
An emergency fund has been set up for members of the public and Rwandan diaspora to contribute to the relief operation.
In May 2020, at least 65 people died in Rwanda as heavy rains pounded the region while more than 200 people died in floods and landslides in the first four months of 2018.
This week more than 170 people died after heavy rains and flooding in eastern DR Congo.
Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.
