Tragedy has struck northwestern region of Rwanda after floods caused by a heavy hailstorm hit four districts, killing at least 109 people, including children and their mothers.
The Red Cross reported that one family lost five people in the flood, and emergency workers are trying to recover their bodies.
The Minister of Emergency Management, Marie Solange Kayisire, said that 169 people have died from floods since January, including the latest deaths.
The authorities in Rwanda are searching for flood victims and helping those affected by the disaster.
People Killed By Floods In Rwanda Since 2018
Since 2018, heavy rains in Rwanda have caused floods and landslides that have led to the deaths of over 600 people, destroyed 30,600 houses, and damaged over 35,940 hectares of crops, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.
The country usually experiences heavy rains and hailstorms between January and April, which often result in the loss of lives, especially for those living in high-risk areas.
About 27,000 families in Kigali still live in such high-risk zones where disasters are likely to occur when it rains.
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Emergency Shelters And Funeral Arrangements
Following heavy rains that caused floods in Rwanda, emergency shelters have been established to assist those who have lost their homes.
Funeral arrangements are also being made for those who have died.
At least 408 disasters were reported in Rwanda, including floods that affected not only families in high-risk areas but also other residents.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency predicts above-average rainfall in May 2023, with some areas expecting heavy rainfall in the coming days.
