Floods and landslides leave at least 18 dead in Rwanda

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management (MIDIMAR), at least 18 people have died in floods and landslides from April 23 to 24, 2018.

"Eighteen people passed on due to disasters caused by heavy rains in the night of April 23," MIDIMAR said.

Seven people died in Rwanda's north, eight in the capital Kigali and three in Gatsibo in the east, with 79 houses and 56 hectares (139 acres) of crops destroyed.

The ministry is still assessing the extent of damage from the heavy rain.

Image credit: MIDIMAR Rwanda

The government has in the past urged Rwandans who live on mountain slopes to move to areas less prone to disasters. April 23 toll follows the deaths of 51 people in heavy rains and lightning between January and mid-April, the ministry said. That toll included 16 people who died when lightning struck a church in March.

Monday’s toll follows the deaths of 51 people in heavy rains and lightning between January and mid-Apri. That toll included 16 people who died when lightning struck a church in March, the ministry said as reported by Reuters.

Featured image: MIDIMAR Rwanda