Two children have died after being swept away by fast-moving runoff from Mt. Muhabura following heavy afternoon rains in Nyarusiza Sub-county, Kisoro District.
The victims have been identified as Blair Nyirabanasi (6) and Moris Maniragaba (8). The children were reportedly returning home after collecting firewood in Ruchantegye and Mwanjari villages when they were caught in the raging floodwaters.
Gad Dushimimana, Blair’s father, said the incident occurred at around 1:00 p.m. while the family was having lunch.
“Neighbors came and informed us that our daughter had been swept away by floodwaters,” Dushimimana said.
Later, at about 4:00 p.m., David Ndayambaje, Moris Maniragaba’s grandfather, said he received a call from the LC1 chairperson inquiring about the boy’s whereabouts after his body was discovered in a nearby village. He said the child had also left home to collect firewood.
Local leaders say the problem of flooding caused by runoff from Mt. Muhabura has persisted for years.
David Sebitozi, the LC1 chairperson of Mwanjari Village, noted that similar floods three years ago claimed about ten lives, and urged the government to urgently construct culverts and bridges to protect residents.
“These floods are not new. We need permanent solutions to prevent more loss of life,” Sebitozi said.
Emmanuel Bizimana, the LC1 chairperson of Ruchantegye Village, echoed the call, saying runoff from Mt. Muhabura continues to pose a serious threat to communities living downstream.
“We call on the government to provide safe crossing points because they are urgently needed,” Bizimana said.
Residents have also expressed concern about children’s safety, especially as schools prepare to reopen.
Zerida Nyiraguhigwa, a resident of the area, said parents should be extra vigilant during the rainy season.
“We call on parents to closely monitor their children during rainy periods, because our area frequently experiences dangerous floodwaters from the mountain,” she said.
