The Government of Rwanda has announced that floods and landslides occasioned by heavy rain in the night of Tuesday 3rd May 32023 have claimed 130 lives while 5 people went missing.

The disasters that hit Western, Northern and Southern Provinces also left 77 people injured of whom 36 were hospitalized.

The deaths were registered in the districts of Rubavu (26), Rutsiro (27), Karongi (16), Ngororero (23), Nyabihu (18), Musanze (5), Gakenke (2), Nyamagabe (2), Burera (8), and Gicumbi (3).

Among others; the disasters destroyed over 5100 houses and ravaged 17 roads.

Out of the 5,174 houses that were destroyed; 3,371 are from Rubavu district.

It is reported that more 2,510 houses were severely damaged and may collapse soon.

Apart from residential properties, the disasters also affected several infrastructures, including eight national highways, nine roads at district level, 26 bridges, six water treatment plants, and some medical facilities such as the Shyira Hospital, five health centers, and two health posts.

In response, Pope Francis sent his condolences to those affected in a telegram addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, Archbishop Arnaldo Catalan.

On Thursday, Pope said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused by the recent flooding in the western and northern provinces of Rwanda.”

Pope Francis also expressed his “spiritual closeness with all those suffering in the wake of this disaster.”

He also offered his “assurance of prayers for the dead, injured, and displaced, as well as those engaged in recovery efforts.”

The Pope wrapped up his telegram by extending his Apostolic Blessing upon all the people of Rwanda.

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente visited the affected areas in western Rwanda on Thursday, and said search efforts were still underway to recover missing people, adding that the death toll could rise.

Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow and promised prayers for the victims of heavy flooding in the western and northern provinces of Rwanda.