Residents of Nyakiriba, Busasamana, and Cyanzarwe sectors in Rubavu District have expressed deep appreciation for the swift response and humanitarian aid provided by the Rwanda Red Cross following severe weather disasters that destroyed homes and household items.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds recently struck these areas, leaving dozens of families displaced and struggling. In the aftermath, the Rwanda Red Cross stepped in with emergency relief, a move that residents say restored their hope and dignity.
Gabriel Dusingizimana, one of the beneficiaries, shared his experience: “We were living in terrible conditions our homes had collapsed, and our belongings were soaked or washed away. But the Red Cross came to our aid without delay. Now we can think clearly again and have regained hope.”
Donatien Mazuru, another affected resident, said the support allowed him to begin rebuilding his life: “They gave me a mat and replaced many of the essential items I had lost. The water had taken everything. This assistance has given me a fresh start.”
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Mulindwa Prosper, commended the Rwanda Red Cross for standing with the people during their time of need.
“There’s a saying that a true friend is revealed in difficult times. We experienced a disaster when rivers from Gishwati overflowed and flooded homes, leaving people with nothing to cook with or sleep on. The Red Cross responded swiftly. They are one of our closest partners and this is not the first time they have stepped in to help,” he said.
Emmanuel Mazimpaka
According to Emmanuel Mazimpaka, Director of Communication and Humanitarian Diplomacy at Rwanda Red Cross, the organization has continued its mission of humanitarian service since its inception in 1962.
“This week, we distributed household items to 50 families in Nyakiriba. Today, we reached 88 families in Cyanzarwe and Busasamana. Among them, 17 households received a total of 370 iron roofing sheets. The rest received sleeping materials, kitchen utensils, and hygiene kits,” he said.
The aid packages included essentials such as mats, blankets, plates, cooking pots, spoons, soap, jerry cans, and buckets.
Mazimpaka also highlighted ongoing rescue operations around Lake Kivu, where trained Red Cross volunteers are equipped with boats to assist people at risk of drowning or other emergencies in the water.
The total value of the relief items distributed in Rubavu was estimated at 6,714,000 Rwandan Francs. This emergency support comes at a time when several regions in Rwanda continue to experience recurring disasters, particularly during the rainy season.
The Red Cross’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to assisting vulnerable populations and strengthening community resilience through both emergency relief and disaster preparedness training.
By Carine Kayitesi
