129 killed in floods caused by heavy rainfall

Published May 4th, 2023 - 09:06 GMT
floods from heavy rainfall kill at least 129
Shutterstock
Highlights
floods from heavy rainfall kill at least 129

ALBAWABA - At least 129 people were killed in floods and landslides that swept through several parts of Rwanda following heavy rainfall, the office of President Paul Kagame said.

The search for survivors is underway in the wake of more extreme weather through the night.

"This could be the highest disaster-induced death toll to be recorded in the country in the shortest period, according to available records from recent years," the government-backed New Times newspaper reported Wednesday.

Strong rainstorms began last week, causing flooding and mudslides that swept away several houses nationwide, displaced residents and left some roads inaccessible.

Rwanda, officially called the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.