World Vision is currently surveying earthquake-affected areas in southwestern districts of Rwanda and DR Congo's South Kivu as the death and displaced toll rises.
In Rwanda, 33 people are confirmed dead and nearly 1,500 people have been left homeless after their homes were razed in the districts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke, according to a World Vision Rwanda assessment team who visited the area.
"These people are sleeping outside and it gets quite cold at night. They are in shock and in fear because this is the first time this has happened in their area. They do not have food to eat," says Didier Habimana, a World Vision Communications Officer now in Rusizi.
In the quake-hit areas of DR Congo, World Vision is an implementing partner in Axxes, a USAID-funded public health sector support project.
According to World Vision DR Congo's Kevin Ray, "Initial reports indicate that there is significant damage to infrastructure in our implementation area. We have been assessing the situation in these communities and coordinating with officials and other entities to explore how best to respond."
The death-toll in South Kivu stands at five people, according to government sources. Some 150 people were wounded. Close to 100 buildings collapsed, including a church during its Sunday service. Communities have been told to spend the evening away from their homes and any other infrastructure which could collapse, and have been urged to conserve water.
In earthquake-affected areas in Rwanda and DR Congo, medical supplies, blankets, tents and food are urgently needed. Education and livelihoods have also been affected, with the destruction of schools, markets and health centres.
World Vision officials spent the day discussing with district and government officials to determine the organisation's response.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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