The torrential Christmas rain that battered City of Kigali and surrounding areas has been a rude reminder of how our capital is vulnerable to disasters.

At a whopping 140 millimeters, this was by far the heaviest downpour the city has registered in recorded history further indicating how climate change is taking its toll on us.

The rain was characterised by powerful floods that swept away people, homes, commercial and office buildings, motor vehicles, bridges and other infrastructure, and virtually everything else in their path.

At the end, it was announced that the rain had left at least a dozen people dead and 113 houses destroyed in its wake. The loss is expected to run into billions of Francs once the extent of the damage has been fully ascertained.

The New Times extends to the bereaved families our heartfelt sympathy and wish all those injured in the process quick recovery.

Officials have since warned that we are not yet out of the woods and urged everyone – especially the 16,000 people residing in areas deemed to be at a higher risk – to take precautionary measures, including relocating to safer places.

We join the Government in calling on everyone to do everything possible and urgently take steps to reduce their vulnerability. We also urge residents in areas that are safer from floods, landslides and related disasters to take in families deemed to be in harm’s way.  

Wednesday’s rain came days after authorities controversially evacuated thousands out of high-risk zones, including wetlands, in anticipation of increased torrential rains – as warned by the meteorology agency. Yes, there may be questions around the exercise especially since those affected did not readily have better alternatives, but it’s critically important that people unite to save lives first – then debates can follow.

The situation at hand requires that we all pull in the same direction with view to keeping people safe and hope that lessons are drawn to avoid similar problems in the future.