Rwanda floods: Death toll climbs to 130, over 5,000 homes destroyed
Rwanda has been experiencing heavy and sustained rains since late March.
The death toll due to heavy rain and flooding in northern and western Rwanda has climbed to 130 and more than 5,000 houses have been destroyed, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (May 4). "So far, we have recorded 130 deaths. Additionally, there are 77 injuries, with 36 of those individuals currently in the hospital. We also have five people missing," Alain Mukuralinda, deputy government spokesperson, said.
Mukuralinda said that 5,100 houses were destroyed and an additional 2,500 houses were affected. He added landslides and flooding had destroyed 17 roads and 26 bridges, one hospital, two health posts and five health centres.
The spokesperson also said the government sent relief assistance, comprising food, hygienic kits, bedding, and kitchen utensils and these were being transported to Ngororero, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu - the most affected districts in Western province.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente paid a visit to the affected areas in western Rwanda and said that search efforts were underway as there were some bodies still buried in the mud which meant the death toll could still rise."These disasters were caused by floods and erosion, which resulted in houses collapsing on people," Prime Minister Ngirente added.
Floodwaters have been rising in Rwanda causing a threat to more lives. The country has been experiencing heavy and sustained rains since late March.
On Wednesday, Rwandan Minister in charge of Emergency Management Marie Solange Kayisire said that relief efforts began immediately, including helping to bury victims of the disaster and providing supplies to those whose homes were destroyed.
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East Africa often suffers from flooding and landslides during the rainy season.
Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change -- and Africa, which contributes the least to global warming, is bearing the brunt.
(With inputs from agencies)
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