34 Dead, 1,000 Houses Damaged in Rwanda's Floods and Landslides

Heavy rainfall in Rwanda over the past two months has resulted in the deaths of 34 people, with 50 others injured. The floods and landslides, which occurred from September 1 to November 6, 2026, have also damaged over 1,000 houses, with five others completely destroyed. The New Times reported that the figures were confirmed by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA).

According to MINEMA, the floods and landslides were caused by the ongoing rainy season in Rwanda, which started in September. Mining activities were responsible for the deaths of 15 people, while lightning killed seven others. Six people died due to flooding, and five others were killed when their houses collapsed. A fire caused by lightning also claimed one life.

The districts of Nyarugenge, Rusizi, and Kayonza were the most affected, with seven, five, and five deaths reported respectively. Other districts, including Kicukiro, Rutsiro, and Gasabo, each reported three deaths, while Karongi reported two deaths. The districts of Rwamagana, Gicumbi, Nyabihu, Nyagatare, Rubavu, and Burera each reported one death.

The floods and landslides also caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. A total of 847 hectares of crops were damaged, along with 294 hectares of forests. The floods also killed 11 cows and 21 other animals. Additionally, 84 school classrooms, 18 electricity lines, and two water supply lines were damaged.

The floods and landslides also affected social services and infrastructure. Two bridges and one health center were damaged, while nine factories, two markets, and six churches were also affected. The government has been working to provide assistance to those affected by the floods and landslides.

The Rwandan government, through MINEMA, has been leading the response efforts to the floods and landslides. The ministry has been working to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care, to those affected. The government has also been working to assess the damage and develop a plan to rebuild and rehabilitate affected areas.

The floods and landslides in Rwanda serve as a reminder of the country's vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The government and international partners are working to strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts, as well as to implement measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Key points

• Thirty-four people have been killed and over 1,000 houses damaged in Rwanda due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall.
• The floods and landslides were caused by the ongoing rainy season in Rwanda, which started in September.
• The government has been working to provide assistance to those affected and to assess the damage and develop a plan to rebuild and rehabilitate affected areas.