By Alex Gahima.
It is three days now, since the tragic mudslides from the windward side of Mount Muhabura in Nyarusiza Sub County, Kisoro district ravaged villages, leaving nine people dead and hundreds completely stranded without food, water and Shelter.
The phenomenon that occurred towards dawn, coincidentally also happened on the leeward side of mountain Muhabura resulting in destruction of food crops in Rwanda.
Little is known as to whether human settlements in Rwanda were grossly affected, like they were in Kisoro district.
Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has since explained, that the unpredictable occurrence on the Slope of Mount Muhabura can be linked to the after effects of Tropical storm Ana that has since left a trail of death and destruction in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique.
State Minister for relief, disaster preparedness Hon. Esther Anyakun raised 4.5 million Ugandan shillings for nine households, each receiving 500,000 shillings to cover burial expenses, a kind gesture from a loving Government.
She was accompanied by Kisoro Woman MP Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, Kisoro district LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana and Bufumbira South MP Alex Niyonsaba.
More relief items from the Office of Prime Minister (OPM) including 200 bags of 100Kg Posho, 100 bags of beans and other assortments have since been delivered to Kisoro district headquarters.
The strategy to distribute the relief items will be carried out by the office of the Kisoro Chief Administrative officer (CAO) under the direct supervision of assistant chief administrative officer (ACAO) Manasseh Rukundo.
The Uganda Red Cross Society, which has been on ground since day one of the tragedy, has provided emergency relief for some 300 families affected by mudslides.
A disaster report compiled by Nyarusiza Sub County Chief David Sebagabo indicates that the most hardhit communities include Rukere, Kabale, Buzeyi, Rucantege and Mugwata village in Rukongi and Gitenderi Parishes.
The same report reveals that nine people perished during the tragic ordeal, four of whom were killed by running water while five others were killed by the landslides that buried them in their houses.
Among those lost include; Gerid Muhawenimana 4, Ivan Ngabire 2, Claudine Uwizeyimana 30 (Rwandese national), Ntizandekura 5, Joshua Iradukunda 11, Mukamusoni (Batwa origin Rukere), Rafiki Mpfitu 5 (Batwa origin Rukere), Jackline Nyiransaba 33 and Marion Kobusingye 1 year old baby.
The estimated total loss of property in Gasiza trading center is 766 million Ugandan shillings.
A total of 26 shops, bars, drug shops, Agro-input dealers and a clinic with property worth an estimated at 160 million shillings were washed down hill by a moving mixture of stone and mud.
A total of seven homes were destroyed, estimated at 120 million shillings.
In Buzeyi village, 20 shops and bars with properties worth an estimated 46 million shillings were washed down hill by mudslides.
One home with a fence and domestic animals estimated at 50 million shillings was also completely destroyed.
Rukere Village saw three batwa homes and household property destroyed. The total of value was estimated at 10 million shillings.
According to the report, Significant damage was done to Buzeyi village booster station, a 58 Cubic tank that will only become operational after repairs.
Almost 40 acres of farm land were destroyed with Onions, Cabbages, Irish potatoes, Millet, Banana plantations and trees.
Growing concerns have developed among district leaders after most toilet facilities have been washed away leaving no alternative but open defecation which poses a health risk.
Minority group gets smaller.
The Batwa of Rukeri village in Nyarusiza are counting huge losses after five of the nine people who died were Batwa children.
The chairperson Batwa Community, Rukeri Village Serutoki Stephen says the tragic event has robbed their community of five children who could have positively contributed to the growth of their community.
Serutoki said Government needs to double its efforts in restoring and preserving the environment because, if it continues to suffer at the hands of careless human beings who take from it and do put back, it will respond like it has done, and this cannot be ignored any longer.
Experts Speak out
Kisoro district Senior Environmental officer Judith Muja says early warning and communication needs to be emphasized at district level because Kisoro has always been prone to natural disasters.
Muja says more research needs to be done because, according to Meteorological studies, if an event has occurred, it is likely that it will re-occur in the next 10 years.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Spokesperson Bashir Hangi says it was a tragic event that resulted in loss of lives.
Bashir recommends that communities on mountain slopes need to keep away from the mountain slopes adding that contour farming can help maintain the soil integrity and reduce the speed of runoff water.
Communities in Nyarusiza are known for growing wheat and barley which does not require terraces.
He further points out that tourism activities will continue usual adding that a natural disaster like the mudslides should not deter interested parties from visiting Mount Muhabura.
Kisoro district Chief Administrative officer Ismail Onzu Musa says a two prong approach needs to be considered for a long lasting solution.
Onzu says construction of valley dams along a widened gulley will allow the fast flowing waters to be controlled and even put to use, through irrigation. He also recommends relocation of communities close to the mountain slopes and planting more trees.
Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Hon. Alex Niyonsaba says innovations to harness the runoff water need to be explored.
Niyonsaba explains that the huge volumes of water can be channeled into a dam and used to generate electricity.
At this point, very little can be said, to what extent the damage was caused by the mudslides which creates opportunity for Government and other conservation groups to collect data that can inform future generations, lest we know it, another disaster befalls us all.
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