A girl named Uwajeneza Dorcas from the Rubavu region of Western Province was killed by lightning, which disturbed her grandmother who lived with her.
It happened in Gakukumbu village, Kabilizi cell in Rugerero sector on February 01, 2024.
In the afternoon when people had left the Hero’s Day event, it was raining in this area and there was a strange thunder.
The Executive Secretary of Rugerero Sector, Nsabimana Mvano Etienne said that normally this area is not often hit by lightning.
He said, “We remind the people that every time it rains, they go away from the metal, avoid hiding in the trees and anything else that could cause them to be hit by lightning”.
At first, the news said that the lightning killed two people in this sector, but in the investigation of the authorities, it was found that the deceased was the funeral of Dorcas alone while her grandmother was disturbed.
As soon as this happened, the district administration sent rescue workers, and the woman was taken to Gisenyi Hospital for medical attention.
Every year lightning kills more than 24 thousand people in the world and injures more than 240 thousand.
The Government of Rwanda advises Rwandans that they should avoid sheltering under trees during the rainy season and avoid plugging in and using electrical appliances when it is raining because it increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
Public places such as schools, churches, and other competent authorities are advised to install lightning protection at home in order to prevent lightning strikes.
