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Rwanda

Rwanda: Floods and Landslides - DREF Operation n° MDRRW022

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Description of the Event

What happened, where and when?

The heavy rains registered within three consecutive days from 1st to 3rd May caused intensive damages in various parts of country, particularly the Western province, Northern province and Southern province. The death toll is high, amounting to 131 people dead; 77 injured; and 5 persons missing.

The assessment was completed on 6th May by Rwanda Red Cross with in-country partners' support. The findings revealed that Rwanda's western, northern and southern provinces were the areas heavily affected by floods across the country from 1st May. 14 districts have experienced shocking floods and landslides where by 51,905 people in 10,381 households were affected, 131 people died, 5,472 houses were destroyed and 4,909 houses were at risk, and the affected people are still in the sites. The needs are huge and the vulnerabilities significant. The damages reported include significant losses of houses, basic household items, unusable water sources as well as latrines and roads . The impact of destruction of thousand hectares of crops and livestock was immense.

The Rwanda Red Cross has deployed initial resources in coordination with movement partners and Government and launched a swift response in hardest-hit districts, to address immediate needs and mitigate further impact considering expected continuation of the rainfall. Indeed, the above figures are likely to increase again based on weather forecast as the National meteorological agency predicts more intense rainfalls in the coming days. The rainy season is forecasted to last until early June based on meteorological calendar. Highest period rainfall lasting until end of May.