Residents of 2 sub counties of Rwengwe and Kashenyi in Buhweju district are in fear of famine after a heavy hail storm ravaged their gardens and plantations.
A disastrous hail storm hit the area this week destroying their crops as well as houses and property.
Several acres of banana plantations and gardens were destroyed by the storm
The storm destroyed up to 10 houses, and 2 catholic churches; Kenshembe Church and St.Mary’s Kabegaramire Church as well as Divine Way Secondary School.
According to local leaders, 11 residents were injured in the storm and are admitted in Butare H/C III.
Buhweju MP Francis Mwijukye speaks to one of the affected residents
The newly elected area Member of Parliament Francis Mwijukye visited the area and was told that 15 families were affected.
Residents urged the government to provide them with iron sheets to replace their shelters, provide beddings and fast growing food crops like Irish potatoes to forestall the possible famine.
Several houses were also brought down by the winds
At Butare health center, Sr. Maria Pelagia the in-charge told us that the patients were not even able to raise the treatment costs.
Hon. Francis Mwijukye paid 340,000shs to clear the hospital charges of those who were admitted.
Olive Koyekyenga, the area Woman MP also visited the affected villages