Rwanda Meteorology Agency (RMA) is predicting heavy rains in the next three months except in a few districts where it will be normal or slightly less. According to the officials, Eastern Province districts of Ngoma, Bugesera, Kirehe, Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kayonza and the two Southern Province districts of Kamonyi and Gisagara will have normal or below normal rainfall. The forecast follows a regional and international climate scientists’ weeklong meeting in Kenya, Nairobi at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC). It analysed the historical data of rainfall and temperatures from across ten countries; Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Several global research centers were represented and after deliberations the scientists came up with a consensus forecast for the IGAD region, according to the officials. According to the cumulative range of rainfall amounts, the distribution is divided into three categories; above normal which is above 400mm, normal ranging between 300mm and 400mm and below normal which is less than 300mm. Due to geographical location of Rwanda, some areas may experience medium risks of flooding and landslides which may lead to loss of property and life, officials said. According to John Ntaganda Semafara, RMA Director General, such forecast results are referred to relevant authorities so that they put in place both preventive and mitigating strategies to avoid loss of life and property. Anthony Twahirwa, head of weather and climate services at the agency, said the public should heed the advice given even though the predictions are likely to be 85 percent true. He added that due to technology, the agency is able to provide weather forecast information after a short period, every six hours or less.
