In May 2023, heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in north-western Rwanda, causing the deaths of 130 individuals as of May 3, 2023.
In late April and early May, the Rwanda Metrology Agency predicted rainfall between 50mm and 200mm across the country within the first 10 days of May. In the north-western region, heavy rain ranging from 175mm to 200mm were anticipated.
The night of May 2, the heavy rain affected Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi Districts, with forecasts indicating that Rurindo, Gakenke and Gicumbi Districts were also likely to experience similarly heavy rains in the following days.[1]
Landslides also caused roads to be closed on 2 May.[2]
Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente attended a burial service in Rubavu District on May 4, where he said that authorities would "continue to ensure that you [victims] have shelter and basic needs".[2][3]
The Rwandan has responded promptly to a devastating flood disaster on 2 and 3 may which resulted the tragic loss of 115 lives in west and Northern provinces only. The Government established command center.[4] to coordinate relief effort[5] by deploying a team of rescues officials from affected provinces The ministry of emergency and Management, The ministry of local government and police and provided medical treatment for those who was affected , provided food and shelter[6] The humanitarian organization like HOT , through Open Street Map Rwanda supported with tools like FMTM and youth involvement in data collection to facilitate the Districts in future data driven decision making , Red Cross Rwanda[7] Organizations provided funds for The rapid response from FAO ,WFP, WHO. [8] The emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths has allocate $1.5 millions from the central emergency response fund CFRF to support the government led response [9]
Many flood victims were buried in mass burials.[10]