Information by the Ministry of Emergency Management indicates that the disaster-induced death toll has increased from 15 people by the end of January to over 40 currently. Floods, landslides, lightning, mine disasters, fire, rainstorms and windstorms are major disasters that have been most prevalent in the past couple of weeks. The ministry says that at least 70 have been injured so far, an increase from 37 injured people in less than a month. At least 370 houses have been damaged so far, more than double from 130 houses that had been destroyed by the end of January. According to the ministry, anti-erosion measures, planting trees among others should be embraced by farmers to avoid further damage. Other measures include rainwater harvesting, relocation from high-risk zones, strengthening roofs and ceilings, conservation of wetlands and buffer zones for water bodies and drainage rehabilitation among others. According to the ministry, the heavy rain that poured on Wednesday, February 16 worsened the situation. Phillipe Habinshuti, the permanent Secretary in the ministry in charge of emergency said that they are working on plans to support those affected by disasters within the next 48 hours. Most affected regions According to the forecast, many parts of Western and Southern provinces and some parts of the City of Kigali and the districts of Rulindo, Ngoma and Rwamagana were expected to face enhanced amounts of rainfall. Information from Rwanda Metrology Agency had earlier warned that heavy rains would be expected between February 11 and 20. “Due to accumulated rains during the past ten days, the predicted enhanced rainfall is likely to escalate risks of flooding and landslides among others,” the forecast warns. The weatherman also warned of persisting strong winds, which may cause further damage. “Robust mitigation measures for related disaster management and mitigation activities should be put in place by relevant authorities. Farmers and agriculture institutions can benefit from these continuous rains for finalizing land preparation activities for the season 2022B,” it advised. The weatherman had predicted the acute rains measuring up to 200mm was expected mostly in south western Rwanda and the City of Kigali. Moderate rainfall ranging between 50 and 100 mm is expected in districts like Musanze, Gakenke, Burera, Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza. Wind Speed The wind speed distribution indicates that moderate to strong winds with an average speed between 4 meters per second and 10 meters per second is expected across the country. The most affected areas include the environs of the two national parks Akagera and Virunga and in areas of Ruhango, Kamonyi, Gisagara and Rusizi districts. Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between 4m per second and 8 metres per second is expected in the remaining parts of the country. Meanwhile Meteo Rwanda will on Friday February 18 release the March to May 2022 Seasonal Rainfall Forecast.
