Three people, a woman and three-year-old twins were killed after a retaining wall collapsed on a house in Gisozi Sector, Gasabo District during heavy rainfall on Thursday, October 22.

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The twins’ mother was injured in the incident and taken to University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) for treatment, according to CIP Wellars Gahonzire, spokesperson for Rwanda National Police in the City of Kigali.

The deceased woman who was a neighbour of the family.

She was taking shelter at the house from the rain when the wall collapsed at around 1pm.

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Gahonzire said the wall gave way following the rains and fell onto the house where the victims were.

He described the incident as an accident, noting that the area was not designated as a disaster hotspot.

"We extend our condolences to the bereaved family. As the rainy season continues, we urge residents to take precautions against disasters caused by heavy rains,” he said.

He urged residents living in areas prone to disasters to relocate to safer places and those with weak roofs should reinforce them to reduce the risk of damage or collapse.

"Those who are building should be particularly careful with retaining walls. If they are not properly constructed, they can collapse on homes,” he said.

He urged residents to ensure that rainwater is properly channelled and drained to prevent damages to homes and other rain-induced hazards.

Parents were also urged to pay close attention to children travelling to and from school during the rainy season, particularly in areas prone to floods.