A subdued mood hang on to Gakoro cell, Rugera Sector, Nyabihu District yesterday, as the 14 victims of Friday’s mudslide tragedy were buried.
Top government officials including Senators, Members of parliament and Ministers James Kabarebe and Gen Marcel Gatsinzi joined friends and relatives joined thousands to to remember the victims who died when a collapsing hillside engulfed the homes of one family who were asleep in the wee hours of Friday morning.
Shortly after laying wreaths at the mass grave in which the victims were laid to rest, Disaster management minister Gatsinzi thanked the residents for their quick response and extended the government’s sympathy to the bereaved family.
“We greatly regret the death of these people and extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Nyabihu,” Gatsinzi said.
He noted that local residents should ensure they find safer places to settle to avoid such accidents in future. The landslide was triggered by a heavy downpour.
Those who died included 39 year-old Jean Damascene Nzamuhabwanimana, his 11 children and three wives identified as Alphonsine Ntibarikure, Gorette Nyirahabyarimana and Esperance Akingeneye.
During the funeral service, mourners were shocked with the extent of damage .
The district’s Mayor, Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, said that environmental hazards were a major problem in the district.
“Given the topography of this region, more measures should be taken in order to avoid the risk of further landslides,” Nsengiyumva said.
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