Rwanda is reeling from the devastation caused by ten days of relentless downpours. The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management confirmed ten fatalities due to landslides and lightning strikes triggered by the heavy rains.
The western district of Rutsiro bore the brunt of the latest tragedy, where a landslide claimed the lives of two individuals early Tuesday. A heartbreaking incident last weekend in Kigali’s Gasabo district saw a mother and child perish after their home succumbed to the heavy downpours.
These deaths underscore the severity of the ongoing weather event. The Ministry reports widespread damage to property across the country, with houses, crops, and road infrastructure suffering the brunt of the force. Authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the full extent of the damage.
This recent disaster is eerily reminiscent of the deadly floods and landslides that ravaged western and northern Rwanda last May, taking 135 lives. With the Rwanda Meteorology Agency predicting continued heavy rains in the first ten days of May, concerns are mounting.
The government has issued a strong plea to residents in high-risk areas, urging them to evacuate to safer locations.
