The Government of Rwanda has announced that floods and landslides occasioned by heavy rain in the night of Tuesday 3rd May 32023 have claimed 130 lives while 5 people went missing.
As the Deputy Government Spokesperson told the media on Thursday , the disasters that hit Western, Northern and Southern Provinces also left 77 people injured of whom 36 are hospitalized. The government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the victims.
The deaths were registered in the districts of Rubavu (26), Rutsiro (27), Karongi (16), Ngororero (23), Nyabihu (18), Musanze (5), Gakenke (2), Nyamagabe (2), Burera (8), and Gicumbi (3).
Each grieving family will also receive financial assistance of Rwf100,000 per deceased person.
Among others; the disasters destroyed over 5100 houses and ravaged 17 roads.
Out of the 5,174 houses that were destroyed; 3,371 are from Rubavu district.
It is reported that more 2,510 houses were severely damaged and may collapse soon.
So far, 1,541 evacuated individuals have been at 11 designated safe areas equipped with beddings and tents. Others have been accommodated by religious institutions, schools, or kind-hearted neighbors.
Apart from residential properties, the disasters also affected several infrastructures, including eight national highways, nine roads at district level, 26 bridges, six water treatment plants, and some medical facilities such as the Shyira Hospital, five health centers, and two health posts.
Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda) recently released data forecasting a heavy rainfall in May 2023.
According to the agency’s weather forecasts, rainfall is expected to range from 50 to 200 millimeters, which is well above the usual average recorded during this time of year.
This increase in precipitation is anticipated to impact various sectors across the country.
According to a recent report by the ministry in charge of emergency management, more than 60 people were killed by disasters in the country between Jan. 1 and April 20.
Statistics also show that Rwanda loses approximately Rwf200 billion each year due to natural disasters.
