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Rwanda Meteorology Agency Warns of Intense Lightning Strikes, Heavy Rains Ahead of Rainy Season

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rwanda is bracing for an intense rainy season, with the Meteorology Agency warning of frequent lightning strikes, especially in the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces. The agency forecasted that rainfall will start across most parts of the country, with the amount of rainfall expected to be within the normal range for the September to December 2024 season. Experts predict moderate rainfall, but with a possibility of heavy rain on certain days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned of intense and frequent lightning strikes, especially at the beginning of the rainy season.
  • Rainfall is expected to start across almost every part of the country, with the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces being the most affected.
  • The rainfall is expected to be within the normal range for the September to December 2024 season, with moderate rainfall predicted.
  • Specific areas expected to receive heavy rainfall include Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi District near Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru districts.
  • The rainfall is predicted to range from 300 to 700 millimeters, with areas surrounding the Volcano zones in Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts expected to receive between 600 and 700 millimeters.
  • The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management has taken measures to relocate households from disaster-hotspots, with 5,523 households relocated in the last rainy season.

Statistics:

  • 5,523 households were relocated from disaster-hotspots in the last rainy season.
  • Rainfall is expected in almost every part of the country, with the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces being the most affected.
  • The rainfall is predicted to range from 300 to 700 millimeters, with areas surrounding the Volcano zones in Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts expected to receive between 600 and 700 millimeters.
  • The September to December 2024 season is expected to see rainfall within the normal range for the past 30 years.

Sources:

  • "Meteo Rwanda names districts at risk of heavy rains" (no date)
  • "Rwanda Meteorology Agency warns of intense lightning strikes" (no date)
  • "Lightning strikes 11 more students" (no date)
  • News release from Rwanda Meteorology Agency (23 August 2024)
  • Interview with Christine Hitimana Niyotwambaza, Director General in charge of disaster preparedness in the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management

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