According to Kigali city mayor Samuel Dudenguyumba, the floods and landslides killed two people and destroyed dozens of homes in Kigali from April 10th to April 13th.
The disaster had predicted heavy rain over the weekend, following weather warnings issued by the National Weather Agency. This is part of Kigali city, the northern and western states, and the Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts;
Rainfall was predicted to range from 25-60 millitru per day. Floods, landslides and thunderstorms were predicted.
“The heavy rains have caused flooding on several roads, destroying traffic. We have received reports of 27 homes being damaged,” Dusengimana said in an interview with the national broadcaster RBA.
“Eight homes in the Nyargenge district, 12 in Kikukiro and seven in Gasbo were affected. Some of these homes have collapsed. Two people have died, one has died due to floods and the other has been attacked by collapsed walls,” he said.
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Dusengiyumva added that heavy rains have temporarily paralyzed people and merchandise movements in several areas, including Gatenga in the Kikukiro district, Cafe Nyakabanda in Nyarugenge and Kinakabanda at the crossover bridge towards bus stations in Nyabugogo.
The mayor urged residents living in high-risk zones to move as an urgent issue.
At least 522 disaster hotspots have been identified nationwide, with around 97,000 people likely to be affected, according to the ministry responsible for emergency management.
The ministry also said 117 infrastructure, 23 public facilities and 25,947 hectares of crops are at risk of being affected by the disaster.
Also Read: Kigali City embarks on building a dark vert in flood-prone areas
“We urge residents to clean waterways and refrain from building homes illegally. As part of the city’s efforts, we are building dark verts in flood-prone areas around Gisoji Trade Centre to mitigate flooding,” said Mayor Kigali.
He also said that the waterways in the Kibagabaga region of Kininiya Sector are currently expanding.
“We will also build a large dark vert in Gatenga, an area affected by recent floods in Kikukiro,” he added.
Dusengiyumva also called for improved rainwater harvesting throughout the city. The city also plans to build 66 drainage systems to prevent future flooding.
