APA – Kigali (Rwanda) President Paul Kagame has extended condolences to families bereaved by a devastating landslide across north, west and southern Rwanda.
According to officials, the death toll from the landslide has risen to 130 as of Thursday while many other local residents are still missing.
“The President empresses his solidarity with those affected and wounded, as well as his deepest condolences to families of the victims of la of 2-3rd May, so far claiming lives,” read in part a statement released by Kagame’s office.
The statement adds that rescue interventions are ongoing in the most affected districts including Rubavu (North West), Ngororero (West), Nyabihu (North West), Rutsiro (West).
The landslides and floods caused by heavy rains during the night submerged whole communities in Karongi (West),Gakenke (North), Burera (North), Musanze (North), and Nyamagabe (South).
Interventions include evacuation and temporary relocation of residents from affected high-risk areas while rains are ongoing.
“Teams are already deployed to affected districts to provide required assistance,” the statement said, adding that the command centre is actively coordinating emergency response.
Relevant institutions will continuously liaise with districts to coordinate all required interventions.
Meanwhile, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned that more rains are expected in the next few days.
Francois Habitegeko, the governor of Rwanda’s Western province, told reporters that a search for more victims was underway following heavy rains on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Strong rainstorms started last week, causing flooding and mudslides that swept away several houses across the country and left some roads inaccessible.
According to the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, from January to April 20, weather-related disasters killed 60 people, destroyed more than 1,205 houses and damaged 2,000 hectares of land across Rwanda.
CU/as/APA