The Rwanda Meteorology Agency on Friday announced that the period between March and May will constitute an important rainfall season for this country located in the Great Lakes region in the Central Africa.
“The key driving factors expected to influence the rainfall during the same period include neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans,” the weather watchdog said.
The forecasts show that over the next three months, rainfall ranging between 300 and 400 millimeters are expected in major parts of Eastern Rwanda.
It explained that precipitations between 400 and 500 millimeters will be observed in Kigali city and major parts across Western and Southern Rwanda.
According to the weather forecast, the rainfall season will be specific to areas of natural forests cover such as Nyungwe (South) and Gishwati (North West).
The statement noted that based on current seasonal prediction of March to May 2022, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are advised to continue with planting activities.
However, the expected normal rainfall with tendency of slightly above normal during the same period may lead to different impacts such as flooding, strong winds, landslides, rainstorms, hailstorms, thunderstorms.
“The expected rains are likely to cause the risk of infectious diseases, particularly due to the exposure to water-borne and vector-borne pathogens,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, 15 people died from disasters, while 37 others sustained injuries in January this year, according to the latest report from the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management.
Floods, landslides, lightning, mine disasters, fire, rainstorms and windstorms are major disasters.
Last year, 2,685 hectares of crops, 310 classrooms, two health centres, 44 roads, 32 bridges, four water supply systems, 59 electrical transmission poles, 22 offices, 19 churches, four markets and three
factories, 3,977 houses were also damaged by different disasters.
About 100 people lost their lives, while 195 others were injured from January to Mid-October 2021.
CU/GIK/APA