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Families watched in disbelief as devasting floods ravaged through communities in Western Rwanda
A segment of Musanze-Rubavu road damaged by flood of 3rd May. Photo: The Newtimes Rwanda
On May 3, Nathanael Habarurema watched in disbelief as raging floods in Rwanda ravaged his home and took away his belongings.
Nathanael, from the Rubavu District is a father to a three-year old girl and used to work as barber from his home before the floods took away everything he had.
On May 3, Nathanael Habarurema watched in disbelief as raging floods in Rwanda ravaged his home and took away his belongings. Photo: Trócaire
“In my entire life, it is the first time I see many losses caused by Sebeya River,” Nathanael says.
“This was a huge disaster, it is just unbelievable. I lost valuable items even my side business of pigs was gone.”
More than 100 people died as the floods and mudslides swept through northern and western Rwanda after torrential rains.
Most of the deaths occurred in the western province, which borders Lake Kivu, and flood waters swept away many homes and infrastructure, and led to road closures.
Home destroyed in floods in Western Rwanda on May 3, 2023. Photo: The Newtimes Rwanda
“The house started leaking and filled very quickly. With the help of others, I brought my family to safety in the avocado trees. We watched as our houses fell down and the water took away our belongings. In the morning, we could see dead bodies being taken away,” Nathanael said.
Rescue services took Nathanael and his family to a neighbouring district where they were taken care of by local authorities.
Nathanael received support from the START fund, which was implemented by Trócaire, in collaboration with Tearfund, Caritas Nyundo, Africa Evangelical Enterprise and Duhamic Adri. He received a cash transfer for three months’ rent and a food and essential supplies packages.
“I am grateful for the support we received,” Nathanael says. “This support has allowed us to look forward and start to rebuild our lives.”
Louise Uwamaliya (52) from the Mushubati sector was also caught up in the devastating floods on May 3. The mother of four was sleeping when water filled her home and was rescued by local authorities. Her home was badly damaged and she now hopes with support from the START Fund that she will be able to repair her home.
“The fund has brought us hope. I have temporary shelter but I don’t know what the future holds for me. I hope I will be able to get back into my home,” Louise says.
Father of four Jean Damascene (58) was also woken up on the night of May 3 when water began to fill his home. The family lost their home and belongings in the flood. Jean’s cousin and his two children aged 15 and 12 were also killed in the flooding.
Father of four Jean Damascene (58) lost his home on May 3 due to floods in Rwanda. Photo: Trócaire
“When my wife woke me up I thought I was dreaming. The water was filling up and we left just before the whole house collapsed. I was very afraid. We had been living in our home for nine years. I was very panicked, I didn’t know what to do,” Jean says.
The family was moved to another district where they were given shelter and support under the START Fund.
“I am happy with the cash transfer from START Fund to be able to relocate to a new temporary home, this unconditional support will help me and my family,” Jean says. “We are uncertain what the future holds for us but we are hoping we will be able to rebuild a home.”
