In Rwanda, since the start of September, heavy rains have caused disasters that led to the loss of 20 lives and injuries to 58 people, according to information from the Ministry responsible for emergencies.
Nearly half of those affected by these disasters from September 1 to 28 were harmed by lightning, which also injured 43 people. The rest lost their lives due to landslides, as reported in the data.
One of the most recent incidents involved a mother and her two children who tragically lost their lives when their house in the Gasabo District of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, collapsed during heavy rains.
These disasters have also resulted in the destruction of nearly 500 houses and 58 hectares of crops. Additionally, more than 120 livestock perished, and 37 classrooms were damaged.
This data comes shortly after the Rwanda Meteorology Agency issued a warning about above-average rainfall, ranging from 20 mm to 120 mm, expected in different parts of the country until September 30. Residents were urged to take preventive measures, as the agency predicted flooding, rainstorms, soil erosion, and landslides.
Philippe Habinshuti, the permanent secretary in the Ministry responsible for emergencies, appealed to Rwandans living in high-risk areas to relocate to safer places.