Lightning strikes killed four people and injured eight in Murambi Sector, Karongi District on Sunday, January 5. The Mayor of Karongi District, Gerald Muzungu, confirmed that the incident happened on Sunday evening when 12 people were seeking shelter from rain in a nearby house under construction. ALSO READ: Lightning kills 24-year-old woman, cows and sheep “Eight people who were traumatized were taken to Kirinda hospital,” he said, urging residents to avoid seeking shelter from risky areas during rain and thunderstorms. He said the burial for the deceased would take place on Tuesday. The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management recommends installing lightning rods as a way to prevent lightning strikes. People are also discouraged from seeking shelter under isolated trees during the rain, riding bicycles and motorbikes, swimming, taking lifts in buildings while it is raining or seeking shelter near electric poles. ALSO READ: Lightning kills eight, heavy rain destroys 105 hectares of tea plantation Those who take shelter indoors during rain should avoid touching windows and doors because they are often metallic objects, which can attract lightning strikes. It is also advisable that all electronic equipment should be switched off when it is raining. While lightning strikes are more rampant in areas with high altitude in south-western Rwanda, the entire country is vulnerable to lightning strikes given its location near the Equator, and all Rwandans need to take measures against lightning-related accidents. January weather forecast The Rwanda Meteorology Agency forecast rainfall ranging between 0 and 75 millimeters across the country up in the first 10 days of January. ALSO READ: Weather forecast: What to expect in the next 10 days The rainfall ranging between 60 and 75 mm is the highest expected during the 10 days, and it is expected in many parts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts, western parts of Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru Districts. Rainfall ranging between 45 and 60 mm, is expected in Karongi, Rutsiro, Rubavu and Musanze Districts, several parts of Huye, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Burera Districts, southern of Gisagara District, western parts of Nyanza and Ruhango Districts, a small part of northern Gakenke, remaining parts of Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts. Rainfall ranging between 30 and 45 mm, is expected in Muhanga District, many parts of Nyanza, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rulindo and Gicumbi Districts, central parts of Gisagara Districts, remaining parts of Huye, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Burera Districts. Rainfall ranging between 15 and 30 mm, is expected in Kigali City, Amayaga, Bugesera, Ngoma, Rwamagana Districts, several parts of Kirehe and Gatsibo Districts, western parts of Kayonza and Nyagatare Districts, remaining parts of Rulindo and Gicumbi Districts. Remaining parts of Eastern Province are expected to receive rainfall ranging between 0 and 15 mm.
