Nine killed, six injured by lightning strike in Ngoma District

Nine people from Ngoma District’s Jarama Sector were killed by lightning, while six others were injured after being struck as they returned from farming. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 4 January 2026. The Governor of the Eastern Province, Rubingisa Prudence, said the victims were in the Jarama swamp, where they had taken shelter in structures used by swamp guards and fishing workers. “They were farming when it started raining and took refuge in buildings used by port guards and fishing facilities, where the lightning struck,” he said. Governor Rubingisa told Rwanda Broadcasting A

Nine people from Ngoma District’s Jarama Sector were killed by lightning, while six others were injured after being struck as they returned from farming. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 4 January 2026. The Governor of the Eastern Province, Rubingisa Prudence, said the victims were in the Jarama swamp, where they had taken shelter in structures used by swamp guards and fishing workers. “They were farming when it started raining and took refuge in buildings used by port guards and fishing facilities, where the lightning struck,” he said. Governor Rubingisa told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that authorities are working with health services to transport the bodies of the deceased to the Kibungo Hospital mortuary. He added that security agencies, district officials, and Kibungo Hospital staff are providing care to the injured and psychological support to those affected. He urged the public to take precautions against lightning, noting that some areas are more prone to strikes. “We advise people to install lightning conductors in places where many people gather. Individuals should also avoid using mobile phones during rainfall and should not seek shelter under trees,” he said. According to the Rwanda National Police, disasters claimed 130 lives in 2025, including deaths caused by lightning strikes and heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency has forecast above-average rainfall for January 2026, with expected totals ranging between 50mm and 300mm across the country. The agency said rainfall is likely to be slightly above the Long-Term Mean (LTM) in most regions, particularly in the Western, Northern and Southern provinces, the City of Kigali, and parts of the Eastern Province. The January LTM typically ranges between 26mm and 269mm.