Kigali, 9 May 2023 - Minister Vincent Biruta, in the presence of Marie Solange Kayisire, Minister of Emergency Management, held a diplomatic briefing on the recent natural disaster that hit the Northern, Western, and Southern Provinces of Rwanda.

This heavy rainfall caused floods and landslides that led to the death of over 130 people and left thousands homeless. Many water treatment plants were also affected including the Gihira water treatment plant in Rubavu district and Nzove water treatment plant that supplies water to the City of Kigali and its outskirts.

On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Minister Biruta expressed appreciation to all the countries and organizations that have sent messages of solidarity, support, and condolences to Rwanda.

The devastating impact of this heavy rainfall was also felt in neighbouring countries including Uganda and the DRC where many people lost their lives.

“I wish to also extend our condolences to the families of victims in those two countries and hope for a speedy recovery of those injured,” Minister Biruta said.

“Last week’s extreme weather event is another reminder that we need to act with a sense of urgency when it comes to climate change, and its disastrous effects on countries that have done little to contribute to global warming,” he emphasized.

More than 77 people were hurt in the disaster, including 36 who had serious injuries, and rivers of mud swept away homes.