ALERT: Rains cause temporary closure of key upcountry road

Reports indicate that river Nyabarongo overflowed Wednesday following heavy rains, rendering a section of the road between Districts of Ngororero and Muhanga impassable.

ALERT: Rains cause temporary closure of key upcountry road
Overflowing of river Nyabarongo led to closure of Muhanga-Ngororero-Mukamira road, April 2020. Courtesy Photo

Motorists travelling to Western Districts of Ngororero, Nyabihu and Rubavu via Muhanga have been directed to use alternative roads after heavy rainfall rendered the road impassable.

Reports indicate that river Nyabarongo overflowed Wednesday following heavy rains, rendering a section of the road between Districts of Ngororero and Muhanga impassable.

“We would like to inform the public that due to heavy rains the road RN11, Muhanga- Ngororero- Mukamira is temporarily impassable. You are advised to use alternative roads,” Rwanda Police tweeted, adding that its officers were on ground to direct road users to alternative routes.

The Rwanda Meteorology Agency last week predicted above normal rains causing flooding on road surfaces, slippery roads and poor visibility during rainstorms in Western and Northern parts of the country, alongside landslides in areas of high slopes.

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Reports indicate that heavy rains over the past days equally washed away Rwf185 million bridge connecting remote parts of Muhanga with Gakenke Districts in Rongi.

The bridge, which was destroyed by the rains twice before, had been inaugurated recently following repair works.

The damage definitely makes it impossible for health centers in rural parts of the two Districts to link up with referral health facilities, and complicates access to medical supplies.

According to the weatherman, the rains are expected to continue over the next ten days thus call for mitigation measures especially in Districts of Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Nyabihu, Burera, Musanze, Gakenke and Rulindo which are expected to receive enhanced cumulative rainfall.

Others include western parts of Gicumbi, Karongi and Ngororero.