Heavy rains wreak havoc, claim dozens of lives in Rwanda

Rwanda has been grappling with a series of disasters triggered by heavy rains, resulting in the loss of at least 49 lives and injuring 79 others over the past two months, according to a statement from government official Minister Albert Murasira.

Among the casualties, approximately 12 people fell victim to lightning strikes, while others tragically perished as their homes collapsed due to their deteriorated conditions.

To mitigate further risk, the government swiftly moved to evacuate approximately 5,000 residents from high-risk zones to safer areas across the nation. However, the impact of the disasters extended beyond loss of life, with significant damage inflicted on infrastructure.

Homes, bridges, school buildings, road networks, and hectares of plantations bore the brunt of the calamities, leaving communities reeling from the aftermath.

Anticipating continued heavy rainfall, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency issued warnings for the first 10 days of May, cautioning residents to brace for further challenges. The Rwanda Water Resources Board echoed these concerns, highlighting the imminent threat of rivers bursting their banks and flooding surrounding areas.

In response, residents residing near flood-prone zones were advised to evacuate to safer locations to minimize potential harm.

This recent wave of disasters serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of Rwanda’s landscape to extreme weather events.

Notably, in May 2023, similar floods and landslides ravaged western and northern regions of the country, claiming the lives of 135 individuals.