Rwanda – Death Toll Rises as Flooding Continues

The death toll continues to rise after catastrophic flooding and landslides that occurred in Rwanda from 02 to 03 May 2023. Hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes. Search and rescue operations are continuing in affected areas.

Floods in Western Province, Rwanda, May 2023. Photo: Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA)

In a statement of 03 May, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, expressed his solidarity with those affected and wounded, as well as his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic events.

The president confirmed that landslides and floods caused by heavy rains affected different parts of the Western, Northern, and Southern Provinces of the country. He also confirmed that, as of 03 May, 127 people had lost their lives.

Rescue interventions are ongoing in the most affected districts: Rubavu, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Gakenke, Burera, Musanze and Nyamagabe, in order to secure endangered citizens, the president said. He also thanked the security and armed forces together with civil and other institutes, notably among them religious ones, “for the incredible work they have been doing all around the clock to help manage the disastrous weather effects.”

Local media reports said hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes, including around 370 households in Karongi District.

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