The rain which poured down on the evening of March 18, 2025, affected the entire district, with the hardest-hit areas being the sectors of Remera, Murambi, Kiziguro, and Kiramuruzi. These sectors saw severe damage to homes and infrastructure.

Gatsibo District Mayor, Richard Gasana, told IGIHE that, as of the latest count, 126 homes, including kitchens, were destroyed. Additionally, 60 hectares of banana plantations, which are widespread in the affected areas, were severely damaged.

“This rainfall impacted the whole district but caused the most destruction in Remera, Kiziguro, Murambi, and Kiramuruzi. We’ve counted 126 destroyed homes, including kitchens. We are still collecting data. Some residents had their roofs blown off, while others saw their kitchens destroyed. Additionally, 60 hectares of banana plantations were heavily damaged,” he said.

Gasana explained that immediate relief efforts included providing temporary shelter for affected families, with many seeking refuge with neighbours. The district is currently working to secure roofing materials to repair the damaged homes.

He noted that some families are managing to source their own roofing materials and carry out repairs independently, while the district is focusing on assisting those without the means to do so.

Gasana also urged residents to take preventive measures, such as reinforcing their roofs, as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall, often accompanied by strong winds that can cause further damage to homes if not adequately secured.

The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) recently issued a warning to Rwandans to remain cautious during this period of heavy rainfall, as flooding and lightning strikes can sometimes prove fatal.

MINEMA’s statistics show that disasters resulted in the loss of 191 lives in 2024.

Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, has caused significant damage in Gatsibo District, destroying 126 houses.