Heavy rains kill three, destroy homes in Rwanda

Heavy rains killed a woman and two children and destroyed homes in western and eastern Rwanda, authorities said on Thursday.

Hundreds of residents were left homeless after flash floods caused havoc in Nyabihu district in western and Nyagatare district in eastern Rwanda on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

It came days after over 50 homes were reported destroyed in Musanze district in northern Rwanda.

The dead were residents of Jenda sector, Nyabihu district, local officials said.

"The children were sleeping in a house brought down by heavy downpour. Homes were destroyed and livestock killed," said Theoneste Uwanzwenuwe, Nyabihu district mayor.

Uwanzwenuwe said about 100 houses were destroyed. The area is prone to floods triggered by flash water from the volcanoes national park.

He said hundreds have been evacuated from their homes, urging government institutions to help the victims.

Meanwhile, in Nyagatare district in eastern Rwanda, more than 50 houses were destroyed following heavy rains on Thursday afternoon, said Frederick Ntawukuriryayo, spokesperson of Rwanda's ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs.

Officials were still assessing the total damages caused, he said. Endit