Rwanda is prone to heavy seasonal rains that cause flooding and landslides. By the end of April, flooding and landslides displaced an estimated 42,900 individuals in Rwanda in 2018.

Martin Tindiwensi, USAID/Rwanda

Key Developments

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Rwanda in April 2020 affected tens of thousands of people and left more than 2,500 households across six districts in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the Government of Rwanda (GoR).  By early May, the severe weather—which continued for several weeks—had resulted in more than 110 deaths and at least 100 injuries; destroyed more than 2,000 houses and 8,600 acres of crops; and damaged schools and other public infrastructure.  Following an early May assessment, the GoR and Rwanda Red Cross began distributing food and relief commodities.  However, the GoR reported that funding levels and response capacity were insufficient to support the needs of flood-affected populations.  As a result, the GoR requested U.S. Government assistance to respond to unmet emergency needs resulting from the flooding.

On May 12, U.S. Ambassador Peter H. Vrooman declared a disaster due to the humanitarian impacts of the flooding in Rwanda.  In response, USAID provided $50,000 to CARE to support the distribution of relief commodities in affected communities. 

Background

Rwanda experiences March-to-May and September-to-November rainy seasons each year.  Instances of heavy seasonal rainfall often generate localized flooding or landslides and can result in casualties, damage to public infrastructure, and humanitarian needs.

USAID previously responded to humanitarian needs resulting from flooding in Rwanda from January through May 2018, providing $50,000 to CARE to provide emergency relief supplies and protection support in affected communities.