Rwandan President Paul Kagame has visited the Rubavu district, one of three areas most severely affected by the devastating floods that claimed 131 lives a week ago.
President Kagame toured the region, surveying the damage caused by the Sebeya River and meeting with some of the displaced people at the Inyemeramihigo camp.
"We are as sad as you are to know that you are in this terrible situation", Kagame said as he addressed the victims. "We could not have done anything to prevent floods or heavy rains from occurring, but helping those who survived this tragedy is within our ability and we must do it."
Byukusenge Emmanuel, one of the displaced who is now staying in the Inyemeramihigo camp, said that the president’s visit was a sign of solidarity with those who have suffered.
"He has come to show us that we are not alone in this disastrous situation," said Emmanuel.
The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall in various parts of the East African nation from 2 to 3 May, caused rivers of mud to sweep through villages, leaving more than 9,000 people homeless and cutting off vital roadways.