Ten people were killed due to disasters triggered by heavy rains in various parts of Rwanda over the past 10 days, the ministry in charge of Emergency Management announced on Tuesday.

Philippe Habinshuti, the ministry’s permanent secretary, told reporters on Monday that the landslides killed some victims while others were struck by lightning.

The most recent fatalities occurred in the Rutsiro district in western Rwanda, where a landslide killed two individuals following heavy rains earlier.

In another incident, a mother and her child lost their lives in Kigali’s Gasabo district after their house collapsed during a downpour last weekend.

The heavy rains have also destroyed property, including houses, crops and road infrastructure in various parts of the country.

According to the ministry, a full assessment is underway to determine the extent of the impact.

The Rwanda Meteorology Agency earlier on Monday warned that several parts of Rwanda would experience heavy rains in the first 10 days of May.

The government urged residents living in high-risk zones to relocate to safer areas.

In May 2023, floods and landslides struck western and northern Rwanda, resulting in the death of 135 people. 

(Xinhua/NAN)