Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned that the south-western parts of the country will continue to experience above-normal rainfall up to January 20, 2024.
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The forecast by Rwanda Meteorology Agency warned that "impacts associated with heavy and accumulated rainfall are likely in south-western parts of the country where increased rainfall [ranging between 60 and 120 millimetres] is expected. Likely impacts of flooding, soil erosion and landslides in flood-prone areas. Preparedness and mitigation measures should be put in place to minimise impacts that may be caused by the expected rains.”
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The above-normal rainfall is causing havoc in some parts of the country damaging houses, infrastructure, crops, and livestock and injuring people as it was recorded during the weekend from January 13 to 14.
On Sunday, January 14, heavy rain damaged the homes of 22 individuals in Nyamasheke District. The families are being sheltered by their neighbours.
On Saturday, January 13, lightning struck at Gicumbi Stadium, leaving 10 people injured. Heavy rain, on Sunday, also damaged 14 houses and two classrooms in addition to crops in Mbazi sector of Huye District.
The expected rainfall amount will be above normal amount mainly in Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara, Nyanza districts and southern parts of Ruhango, Bugesera, Ngoma and Kirehe districts.
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The remaining parts of the country are expected to experience rainfall amount between 10 and 50 millimetres.
Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between four and eight metres per second is expected across the country.
Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between six and eight metres per second is expected in parts of Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Gisagara, Huye, Nyanza, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Musanze and Burera districts.
ALSO READ: Strong wind destroys 100 houses
The rest of the country is expected to experience moderate wind speeds ranging between four and six metres per second.
Status of two-year disaster-induced losses
According to the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), in 2022 and 2023, disasters killed 448 people, injuring 807.
These include 50 people in Rutsiro District, 39 in Rubavu, 37 in Ngororero, 22 in Muhanga, 27 in Karongi, 26 in Gasabo and 29 in Burera.
The disasters completely destroyed 2,501 houses and damaged 11, 610 houses.
The report shows that 4, 094 hectares of crops were damaged. While 1,400 livestock were killed by disasters.
About 500 classrooms, 104 road sections, six health facilities, 50 churches, 116 bridges, 46 administrative buildings, 112 transmission lines, and 11 factories were damaged.