Four of the victims were struck by lightning, while one died when a house collapsed. The fatalities were reported in Burera, Gicumbi, Ngororero and Rusizi districts.
The rains also damaged 15 houses and caused localised flooding in parts of Kigali and other districts, though officials said river levels remained stable.
MINEMA Permanent Secretary Aristarque Ngoga warned that unusual August rainfall highlights shifting weather patterns linked to climate change. He urged the public to take precautions during storms, including staying indoors, avoiding electrical appliances, and reinforcing rooftops against strong winds.
'Ordinarily, August is not known for heavy rains, but this time we recorded storms that claimed lives and caused damage. It is further evidence that weather patterns are changing,' Ngoga told RBA.
Authorities said emergency teams are working with districts to support affected families and provide assistance to those who lost relatives or property.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/five-people-killed-25-injured-as-heavy-rains-hit-rwanda
