Rwanda: Sunday's Storms Damage 64 Houses, 10 Classrooms

What the report says

Rwanda’s emergency management ministry said strong winds, heavy rain and hailstorms on Sunday, September 13 damaged at least 64 houses and 10 classroom roofs in several districts, according to The New Times as republished by AllAfrica. The weather-related damage was reported in Kayonza, Rwamagana, Gatsibo, Rulindo, Ngoma, Nyamasheke and Ngororero, showing that the impact was spread across multiple parts of the country.

The article said Kayonza District saw roof damage and downed banana trees, while Gatsibo recorded damage to 34 homes. In Rwamagana, storms affected GS Ruhunda, where toilet roofs and 10 classroom roofs were destroyed, and also damaged several houses and greenhouses. Rulindo reported one house losing its roof, and other districts saw additional housing losses and related disruption.

The report also noted other incidents linked to the same period, including a house fire in Nyamasheke tied to an electrical fault, a lightning injury in Ngoma, and a fire affecting part of a government forest in Ngororero. Local authorities, security organs and residents helped contain the fire, while investigations were still under way.

MINEMA urged residents and institutions to take preventive steps such as repairing weak houses, securing roofs, improving drainage, reinforcing slopes, and installing or checking lightning protection. The ministry’s advice reflects the wider risk that seasonal storms can pose to homes, schools and other infrastructure.