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Nyagashongi stream in Gisenyi Sector, Rubavu District, on Saturday, March 9 killed two children and injured one while they were under a bridge washing bucket.
According to Prosper Mulindwa, Mayor of Rubavu District, the incident occurred in Nyabagobe Village, Nengo Cell, where the three children were beneath the Nyagashongi bridge performing chores.
“They were under Nyagashongi Bridge when it started raining. Sadly, two children were found deceased, and another injured child was rushed to Gisenyi Hospital,” he told The New Times, adding that further details are being gathered.
Nyagashongi is a stream whose waters cascade down from Nengo hill into Lake Kivu.
Residents of Nengo, who spoke with The New Times at the scene, described how Nyagashongi stream overflowed its banks due to unexpectedly heavy rainfall earlier that morning, inundating homes and shops in the Nyanteja trading center.
“Homes and shops are submerged. We fear there may be more victims, as many children often play in the area where the water swept them away,” remarked Ephrem Niyonzima, a resident of the area.
As of press time, no estimates for damages had been provided by local officials.
This tragedy follows the devastating disasters of 2023, where floods and landslides on May 2 and May 3 claimed approximately 135 lives when the Sebeya River overflowed its banks.
