Dozens of people have lost their lives after heavy rain, floods and landslides in the Western and Northern provinces of Rwanda over the last few days.

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

According to the state broadcaster, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), as of 03 May 2023, 95 people have died in Western Province and 14 in Northern Province.

Heavy rain triggered flash flooding and landslides from 02 to 03 May 2023. François Habitegeko, governor of the Western Province, told Reuters that the hardest-hit districts were Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi. According to the governor, 14 people have died in Karongi, 26 in Rutsiro, 18 in Rubavu, 19 in Nyabihu and 18 in Ngororero.

The governor reported several people have been injured and more are feared missing after houses collapsed. “We are trying to rescue as many people as possible,” the governor said.

Rwanda National Police reported that the Mukamira-Ngororero and Rubavu-Rutsiro roads are impassable due to flooding and landslide debris, and advised drivers to find alternative routes.

The Rwanda Meteorology Agency said above-average rainfall was expected in many parts of the country during the first 10 days of May.

Rainfall predictions in Rwanda for May 2023. Image: Rwanda Meteorology Agency