The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has reported that disasters claimed lives of 40 people, injured 70 and destroyed 370 houses in January 2022.

The disasters mostly resulted from heavy downpour in different parts of the country.

According to the Ministry; Gisagara, Huye, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Nyagatare are the most affected districts.

The Permanent Secretary in MINEMA, Philippe Habinshuti has told RBA that they are making possible efforts to support citizens hit hard by disasters.

He revealed that the ministry has started supporting affected residents is different districts including Gisagara and Nyagatare.

Habinshuti said that the ministry tries by all means to provide emergency relief within 48 hours like the provision of temporary shelter awaiting durable solution.

Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda) recently predicted heavy rain in the last 15 days of February 2022 and advised the general public to develop proactive measures to prevent disasters.

The agency’s statement read that precipitations between 10th and 20th February are expected to be above normal rainfall in different parts of the country.

Meteo Rwanda has said that the rainfall is expected to be between 50 and 200 mm within ten days while the average rainfall in the same period ranges between 10 and 70 mm.

The weatherman disclosed that the rainfall is particularly expected to be above normal in different parts of Western Province, Southern Province and Kigali City as well as the districts of Rulindo, Ngoma and Rwamagana.

Average rainfall has been predicted in Gatsibo, Kayonza and Nyagatare districts compared to other parts of the country.

Meteo Rwanda has revealed that above normal rainfall was reported in Eastern Province as well as some parts of Southern and Northern Province between 1st and 10th February compared to other parts of the country.

Among others, the weatherman disclosed that rainfall reduced in many parts of Southern Pprovince, southern part of Eastern Province, Musanze and Nyagatare districts during the same period.

Disasters

Meteo Rwanda revealed that the soil has been accumulating much water due to recent heavy rains noting that it might cause flooding and landslides in the parts of the country forecasted with above normal rainfall.

The agency advised relevant authorities, residents in the aforementioned areas and Rwandans in general to take proactive measures to prevent disasters.

Farmers are also reminded to preserve agricultural yields and efficiently utilize collected water to finalize preparations for the agriculture season 2022B.
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