Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
31-01-2026
What happened, where and when?
On January 31, 2026, Rwanda was hit by flash floods caused by heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms. The speed and intensity of the rains caused flooding and rapid runoff, causing considerable damage to homes, farmland, and health infrastructure. The disaster severely disrupted living conditions and livelihoods, particularly for households whose homes and crops were washed away or rendered unusable.
The effects of the flooding were felt in several regions of the country. The South Province was among the most affected, particularly the districts of Gisagara, Nyaruguru, and Kamonyi, where significant destruction of crops, homes, and latrines was reported. In the Western Province, the Rusizi district recorded damage to many homes, while in the city of Kigali, the Nyarugenge and Gasabo districts also suffered significant damage to homes. In the Eastern Province, the Rwamagana district reported the destruction of several homes linked to the same weather event. Although the flash floods occurred on January 31, 2026, their consequences are still being felt.
Those affected are temporarily sheltering with neighbors or host families, without sufficient means to repair or rebuild their homes. Urgent humanitarian needs persist in terms of emergency shelter, essential household items, and sanitation, underscoring the need for a rapid and coordinated response to support the most affected populations.