Sunday, 14 July 2024 - Eight people from Ngororero, Rutsiro, and Musanze Districts were killed by lightning during the rainstorm on the evening of the July 8, 2024. All the victims were women, struck in different sectors.

Following the incident, officials from the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) and local government visited the affected families, providing comfort, support, and assistance with burial arrangements.

Jean Paul NDINDIRIYIMANA, 36, from Nkotsi Sector in Musanze District, lost his wife MUKANDAYISENGA Angelique when she was struck by lightning shortly after he had returned home from work. He recounted, "It was around 6 PM when the rain started. We heard the lightning strike, and I saw one child fall nearby. Looking around, I saw my wife had fallen. We called for help, but she passed away on our way to the hospital. The child is now doing fine."

Jean de Dieu MPAYIMANA, 35, from Kabaya Sector in Ngororero District, also lost his wife, MUSABYEMARIYA Colette, and received assistance with the funeral. He expressed gratitude to the government for quick support during such difficult times. "I am thankful to the Government of Rwanda. I felt hopeless with no one to turn to. The lightning struck just as I got home from work, without even getting a chance to talk to my wife. I felt like I was going to die too. MINEMA staff visited me at home, comforted me, and gave me 200,000 Rwandan Francs for immediate needs. I appreciate our government for always being there for us, especially in hard times."

On July 14th, these bereaved families received further assistance, including bedding, food items like rice, beans, and maize flour, hygiene products, and clothing valued at over 300,000 Rwandan Francs.

Etienne NZIYONSANGA from Muhanda Sector in Ngororero District lost his wife NIYIGABA Joselyne, leaving him with a three-week-old baby. He expressed deep gratitude for the support provided, including funeral assistance and ongoing help to obtain baby formula. He said, "MINEMA gave me 200,000 Rwandan Francs immediately after the incident, which I used for the funeral and other necessities. Today, I received bedding, hygiene products, food, clothing, and more. The government's care helps us not to be overwhelmed by grief. I thank the government for always remembering us and being there in tough times."

The Ministry of Emergency Management emphasizes that the government will continue to assist its citizens in distress and help them rebuild their lives.

Those affected by various disasters across the country receive initial aid and further support to rebuild and improve their livelihoods. These families will continue to be monitored and supported as usual, in collaboration with local authorities.

MINEMA advises that despite it being the dry season, if rain is forecasted by the Rwanda Meteorology Agency (METEO RWANDA), people should not disregard the warnings. Everyone should follow safety guidelines to avoid being struck by lightning.

Some of these guidelines include seeking shelter indoors promptly, avoiding water, not taking shelter under trees, refraining from using phones during thunderstorms, unplugging electrical appliances, wearing shoes if feet are on the ground, and avoiding standing near walls or in doorways of buildings without lightning protection.