Flooding in Rwanda

In early May, torrential rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in many parts of Rwanda which is considered one of the most climate-impacted nations on Earth. The hardest-hit districts were Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi.

At least 130 people died while thousands were displaced as several villages were inundated and buildings destroyed. 5000 homes, 17 roads (Including the Mukamira-Ngororero and Rubavu-Rutsiro roads which were impassable due to landslide debris), 26 bridges and a hospital were lost during the severe flooding.

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. 65% of the population is employed in the agricultural industry. However, as more usable land is being eroded and degraded due to heavy rain and flooding, a majority is vulnerable to losing their occupation due to climate change. This vulnerability will only grow as, currently, Africa is warming up at almost twice the global average.

The National Meteorology Agency said above-average rainfall was expected in many parts of the country during the first 10 days of May following a period of drought. From January to April, 60 people died in weather-related disasters and many houses and acres of land across the country were destroyed. The hilly landscapes of the western and Northern provinces of the country and the capital, Kigali, make them vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season.