At least one hundred and thirty (130) persons were killed in disasters induced by climate change in Rwanda, according to the Government of Rwanda. The fatalities followed floods and landslides in different Districts of the country, during the night of 2-3 May 2023, particularly the Western Province. Other affected Provinces include the Northern and Southern Provinces.
As of 4th May 2023, one hundred and thirty were reported and confirmed dead, seventy-seven injured and thirty-six admitted in health facilities. Moreover, five thousand one hundred and seventy-four houses were damaged, most of them washed away. Roads, bridges, markets, schools and health facilities were also damaged.
The most affected Districts are Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Ngororero, Gicumbi and Nyamagabe.
Local Government entities and communities have been highly affected. The Government of Rwanda responded quickly in a coordinated manner.
RALGA hails the Government response and local solidarity in rescuing the affected families.
The experience on the ground for devastating floods and landslides in different parts of the country shows the adverse impact of climate change.
The survivors of the disasters were relocated from high risk zones to safer places for their security and prevention of similar calamities.
His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, paid tribute to the victims and assured full support to the affected population.
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the landslides and floods that occurred last night in the Western, Northern and Southern Provinces. We are doing everything within our means to address this difficult situation. I am personally following up the response closely”, President Kagame said on his twitter.
President Kagame thanked all those who came together for rescue and relief.
“Let me thank our security and armed forces together with civil and other institutions notably among them religious ones for the incredible work they have been doing all around the clock to help manage the disastrous weather effects yesterday and continuing!! United always we shall prevail”, President Kagame said.
Local and Central Governments Authorities worked together for intervention and relief activities. The Government organized the funerals for the victims, covered funeral costs and provided all the basic needs for relief to the survivors.
Friends of RALGA across the World expressed their solidarity and sympathy with us and our members.
“We are with you during this challenging period. We pray the situation gets under control soonest”, said Juliet Sale of UCLG Africa.
The Director of Africa Local Government Academy of UCLG Africa, Dr Najat Zarrouk said; “Our prayers and thoughts with you and all the victims of this crisis”.
The Secretary General of RALGA, Mr Ladislas Ngendahimana, condoled the affected families and hailed collaboration between various stakeholders, to assist the vulnerable and the victims of the disasters.
“RALGA commiserates with our members in the Western, Northern and Southern Provinces, for floods and landslides that killed human lives and damaged crops, livestock, houses, infrastructures and facilities. Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. We thank the Government of Rwanda for solidarity and response”, he said.