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By Annonciata Byukusenge
April tends to arrive with heavy rains across Rwanda, and this year has been no different. On Monday, April 13, 2026, showers fell across various parts of the country in the early morning hours, but in Ngoma District, a lightning strike turned what was an ordinary rainy day into a tragedy, leaving 26 people injured and one dead.
The incident occurred in Cyarwa Cell, Gashanda Sector, where a group of residents (farmers) had taken shelter from the downpour inside a storage structure used for rice harvesting. It was there, huddled together and waiting out the storm, that lightning struck.
Mathias Ngenda, the Executive Secretary of the Gashanda Sector, confirmed the details in a statement. He explained that the victims had been working in the rice fields in a nearby wetland when the rain began, and they rushed for cover.
“In total, 26 people were struck by lightning. Sadly, one of them passed away. We were able to transport all the survivors to medical facilities; three were taken to Gashanda Health Center, and the remaining 22 were transferred to Kibungo Hospital, where they are currently receiving care.”
He added that the group had been engaged in regular farming activities in the wetland when the storm rolled in. As they rushed into the storage building for shelter, that is precisely where the lightning found them.
E.S. Ngenda assured the public that local authorities are doing everything in their power to ensure the survivors receive proper treatment. He also took the opportunity to offer comfort to the affected families.
“We are standing with their families during this difficult time, and we continue to monitor the health of those still recovering. We also urge residents to follow safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities regarding activities that can put them in harm’s way during storms.”
Beyond Gashanda Sector, lightning also struck one resident in Rukumberi Sector, leaving that individual in a critical condition. They were transferred to Gituza Health Center for treatment.
This is not the first lightning-related tragedy in Ngoma this year. On January 4, 2026, a lightning strike in Jarama Sector claimed the lives of nine out of 15 people who were hit.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Emergency Management continues to urge citizens to take precautions whenever it rains. These include unplugging electronic devices from power outlets, avoiding phone calls during storms, staying away from trees, and refraining from taking cover under structures with metal roofing, which can attract lightning. Public gathering places such as markets, churches, mosques, hospitals, and schools are also advised to install lightning rods as a basic safety measure.
Residents are also urged to pay attention to information provided by the Meteo weather forecasting agency to know the hours of rainfall.
