KISORO: Five people in Nyarusiza sub-county in Kisoro district are feared dead and several others are missing after being swept away by running on Monday evening. The most affected are residents of Koranya trading centre 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 centre and later spread to neighbouring villages. Mbereyinka says that the heavy downpour started around 5:00 PM on Monday evening and lasted for about four hours.
He says that the water was flowing from Mount Muhabuura and Mgahinga National Park.
According to the Vice Chairman of Kisoro District LC 5, among the dead and missing were Rwandan nationals who had been renting in Koranya trading center, a woman, and two children who were inside their rooms.
He says that running water also cuts off the 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 missing.
Boaz Arinitwe, the Kisoro District Police Community Liaison Officer, says that the Police Fire and Rescue team is heading to the area to help trace 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.