Rwanda floods kill 130, damage 5,000+ homes

More than 5,000 homes have been destroyed and at least 130 people have died due to flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains in Rwanda’s Western and Northern provinces, according to a government spokesperson.

The rainfall began on Tuesday and has since caused significant damage to infrastructure, including 17 roads and 26 bridges, as well as hospitals and health centers.

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente has warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue to recover bodies buried in mud.

The government has sent relief assistance, including food, bedding, and hygiene kits, to the most affected districts in the Western province.

Rwanda has been experiencing sustained heavy rains since late March.