In May 2023, heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in northwestern Rwanda, causing the deaths of 130 individuals as of May 3, 2023.
Flooding and landslides
In late April and early May, the Rwanda Metrology Agency predicted rainfall between 50mm and 200mm across the country within the first 10 days of May. In the north-western region, heavy rain ranging from 175mmto 200mm were anticipated.
The night of May 2, the heavy rain affected Ngororero , Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi Districts, with forecasts indicating that Rurindo, Gakenke and Gicumbi Districts were also likely to experience similarly heavy rains in the following days.[1]
Landslides also caused roads to be closed on 2 May.[2]
Environmental aspects of the region
Reactions
Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente attended a burial service in Rubavu District on May 4, where he said that authorities would "continue to ensure that you [victims] have shelter and basic needs".[2][3]
Aftermath
Many flood victims were buried in mass burials.[4]
References
- ^ "Rwanda's devastating floods, landslides deaths rise to 130". The East African. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- ^ a b "Death toll from Rwanda flash floods rises to 127". Al Jazeera. 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- ^ "Survivor of Rwanda Floods: 'We Struggled to Cling to Anything'". Voice of America. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- ^ "65 killed as heavy rains trigger floods, landslides". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-02-03.