Death toll from heavy rains in Rwanda rises to 127

KIGALI - The death toll from separate accidents caused by flash floods and landslides following heavy rains across Rwanda has surged to 127, according to the president's office late on Wednesday.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame sent condolence messages to the families of victims of the heavy rains that hit different parts of the country, including the western, northern and southern provinces of Rwanda, overnight on Wednesday.

"We are doing everything within our means to address this difficult situation. I am personally following up the response closely," said Kagame in a tweet.

Rescue efforts are ongoing in the most affected districts, said the statement released by the Office of the President, adding that some of the rescue work includes evacuation and temporary relocation of residents from affected and high-risk areas.

The latest weather forecast by the Rwanda Meteorology Agency indicated that the expected rainfall in many parts of the country would be slightly above the range of precipitation usually recorded in May.

According to a recent report by the ministry in charge of emergency management, more than 60 people were killed by disasters in the country between Jan 1 and April 20.