04 May 2023 | 12:15 PM UTC
Rwanda: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Northern, Western, and Southern provinces as of May 4 /update 1
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Northern, Western, and Southern provinces, Rwanda, as of May 3. Multiple fatalities reported.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Northern, Western, and Southern provinces as of May 4. Heavy rainfall overnight May 2-3 caused rivers in the affected areas to burst their banks and triggered widespread flooding and multiple landslides. Western Province is the worst-affected region, including the districts of Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, and Karongi. Authorities have reported at least 130 fatalities associated with the adverse weather as of May 4; at least 77 others have been injured, and many more have been reported missing. More than 5,100 homes have been damaged by flooding and landslides, over 3,000 of which are in Rubavu District. The flooding and landslides have destroyed 17 roads and bridges across the affected area.
The Rwanda Meteorology Agency has forecast further showers across much of Rwanda over the coming days. Rainfall totals of between 9-13 cm (3.5-5 inches) are expected across Northern and Western provinces May 1-10, with the heaviest rainfall likely through May 5 before a slight reduction in intensity. Rainfall totals of 5-11 cm (2-4 inches) are expected across much of Southern Province. Further downpours could trigger additional flooding in areas where the ground is already saturated; this may hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancelations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
