Strong wind destroys houses in Rwesero IDP model village 
Friday, September 15, 2023
One of the houses that were destroyed by strong winds in Rwesero IDP model village located in Kigali sector of Nyarugenge district , on September 14

Strong winds, on September 14, destroyed 12 families’ houses in Rwesero IDP model village located in Kigali sector of Nyarugenge district.

ALSO READ: Weather agency warns of strong winds in four districts

Officials reported that six classrooms and a kitchen at EP Rwesero as well as 12 houses’ roofs in the community around the model village were also destroyed.

The displaced families have been sheltered by other families while waiting for the rehabilitation of the damaged houses.

"An assessment is being carried out to know if the district will rehabilitate the houses using financial capacity at the district level or if the money can come from central government level,” Phillipe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of emergency management told The New Times.

He urged residents to identify houses that are old for renovation.

"We also urge those in high-risk zones to relocate; and the ministry will support those who might be affected by disasters,” he said.

Rwanda meteorology agency has warned of more strong winds.

ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda names districts at risk of heavy rains

Rainfall ranging between 30 and 130 mm is expected across the country. Moderate to strong wind speed ranging between four metres per second and 15 metres per second is expected across the country up to September 20.

ALSO READ: Strong winds destroy over 200 houses

Very strong wind speed between 10 and 14 metres per second is expected over most parts of Karongi, Rutsiro and a small isolated part of Rubavu and Nyamasheke Districts.

Strong wind ranging between 8 and 10 metres per second is expected in many parts of Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Karongi, eastern parts of Nyabihu, a small part of northern Musanze and Rusizi, a small part of southern Kirehe Districts.

Slightly strong wind speed ranging between 6 metres per second and 8 metres per second is expected over the remaining parts of the country except in most parts of Kigali city, western parts of Bugesera, Amayaga region, Rwamagana, southern parts of Musanze, Rulindo Gicumbi and Gatsibo Districts and eastern parts of Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza and whereas moderate wind speed ranging between 4 metres per second and 6 metres per second is expected.

Highest rainfall ranging between 110 and 130 mm is expected over most parts of Rubavu, Nyabihu, Musanze Districts, and northern parts of Ngororero, Rutsiro, in western parts of Gakenke, Burera and a small part of northwestern Muhanga District.