Kigali, Rwanda – (African Boulevard News) – The death toll in Rwanda’s floods has risen to at least 127 as torrential rains continue to sweep through the Western, Southern and Northern provinces of the country. These floods have destroyed homes and caused landslides, displacing thousands of people.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency forecasts that the rain will continue until late May, causing concerns for those who have lost their homes and loved ones. The government has urged Rwandans to move to safer areas and follow safety guidelines in the event of a natural disaster.
President Paul Kagame has expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and the government has pledged to support those affected by the disaster. “We stand with Rwandans affected by the recent flooding and related disasters. Let us continue to support each other and follow @RwandaGov guidelines to stay safe,” tweeted President Kagame.
The Rwanda Red Cross, in collaboration with the police and army, is conducting search and rescue operations in affected areas. They have also set up temporary shelters for victims of the floods.
“We have deployed teams on the ground to offer immediate assistance to those affected, including emergency shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services,” said Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, the Regional Director for Africa at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also expressed concern about the impact of the floods on children. Many schools have been destroyed, and children have been forced to flee their homes, leaving them vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation.
“Children and families affected by the floods urgently need safe water, sanitation facilities, health care, and protection services,” said Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF’s Representative in Rwanda.
The government has appealed for international support to help Rwandans affected by the floods. The World Food Programme has already provided food assistance to those affected, and the United Nations has released $1 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to support the emergency response.
As Rwanda continues to battle the aftermath of the floods, affected families are leaning on each other for support and strength during this difficult time.
