Over 130 killed, thousands displaced by floods in Rwanda; officials say

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KIGALI: At last 130 people have been killed, over 5000 displaced and eight national roads and bridges destroyed by floods in Rwanda, officials say.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Energy management, the recent death toll brings the total number of fatalities attributed to natural disasters in the country since January to 197.

President Kagame who condoled with family members of those who lost their lives said his government was doing everything possible to address the situation.

“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the landslides and floods that occurred last night in the western, northern, and southern provinces. We are doing everything within our means to address this difficult situation. I am personally following up on the response closely,” President Paul Kagame said on Twitter.

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and Pope Francis sent condolences to the Rwandans who lost relatives in the disaster.

The Pope said in a statement from the Vatican that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused by the recent flooding in the western and Northern provinces of Rwanda, expressing his “spiritual closeness with all those suffering in the wake of this disaster”.

Worst affected 

The Officials said that nine districts in north-west Rwanda have been worst hit by the floods which has destroyed lives, and washed away infrastructure and crops, aggravating climate-related hazards that have been consistent in the mountainous country for the past few years.

The north-western region, known for bearing the brunt of the heaviest rains during the April-May and December rainy seasons, was forecast to experience above-average rainfall in the first week of May, with some areas expected to receive up to 200mm of rain.

Despite the warning, the heavy rains that ensued on Tuesday night caught residents off-guard, and the resulting destruction has been staggering.

It remains unclear what the cost of the destruction is, but officials say it has affected the area’s businesses, transport and travel, power and clean water supply.

Efforts to mitigate the impact of harsh weather have proved ineffective, with previous investments of Rwf 21 billion ($22 million) failing to contain the overflow of River Sebeya.

The river flows from the volcanic mountains through the northern and western districts.

By Fauxile Kibet