The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has sent a condolences message to President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda over the floods that claimed lives in Western, Northern, and Southern provinces of the country. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured. ALSO READ: Flood disaster: Kagame says personally following up on response effort The heavy rains on Tuesday and Wednesday claimed 130 lives as of Thursday morning, May 4, and residents are still trying to rescue some properties washed away while thousands have been evacuated to different safe places. ALSO READ: Over 100 dead as rain ravages Northern, Western provinces On May 3, a statement from the Office of the President said that rescue interventions include evacuation and temporary relocation of residents from affected and high-risk areas while rains are ongoing. The most affected districts include Rubavu, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Gakenke, Burera, Musanze, and Nyamagabe. The government also put in place new command centers that are actively coordinating emergency response. On May 2, Rwanda Meteorology Agency released a weather forecast stating that the first 10 days of May 2023 are expected to be wetter than usual with rainfall ranging between 50 and 200 mm, over many parts of the country, while the remaining days are expected to record rainfall within the usual range across the country.
