18 people have been confirmed dead by authorities in Kigezi region after devastating mudslides hit them, following a heavy downpour that began on Tuesday night and continued until Wednesday morning causing significant damage to several sub-counties in Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kisoro districts.
According to reports, six people lost their lives in Biizi and Gihuyaga villages in Murora sub-county, three in Kashyambya and Rwamucucu Sub Counties in Rukiga district, and three others in Rubanda district. The bodies of three residents of Rwamahano village in Ikamiro Muko Sub County, Rubanda district - Kevin Ahereza (2), Vastinah Perceiver (7), and Jeninah Twikiriize (36) - were also recovered by residents.
Ernest Rwamirengye, the Ikamiro Parish LCII Chairman, said that the mudslides destroyed approximately 80 houses and crops such as cabbage, beans, and sorghum.
Two more bodies were found in Murora sub-county, Kisoro district, as reported by Hajji Shafique Ssekandi, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner. The search is still ongoing, and the heavy rains have left several roads in the Kigezi sub-region impassable.
The heavy rains have also led to the flooding of rivers such as Kiruruma, which flows through Kabale town to Ndorwa East constituency, acting as a tributary of River Kagera.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Rwanda, the heavy rains have caused loss of 109 lives in several districts, including Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, and Karongi in Western and Northern provinces.
Rwanda's Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) confirmed the deaths.
