37-Year-Old Woman Killed by Lightning as Heavy Rains Hit Gisagara

A 37-year-old woman from Gisagara District died after lightning struck her home. Two other people were injured in separate incidents in the same district.

The woman lived in Nyanza Sector. The injured victims live in Muganza Sector.

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Incident Occurred During Heavy Night Rain

The incident happened during the night of January 7 to January 8, 2026. Heavy rain fell across many parts of Rwanda’s Southern Province throughout the night and into the morning.

A neighbor, Butoyi Marie Louise, said the woman had separated from her husband. She left behind four children.

Lightning Strikes Inside the House

The neighbor told IGIHE that the woman slept alone in one room. Her children slept in another room. Lightning struck the house, damaged the electrical system, and killed her instantly.

After the power went out, a four-year-old child started crying. The eldest child, aged 16, took the younger child to their mother. When the teenager entered the room, they found that their mother had already died.

“The child found the mother dead and ran to call neighbors. When we arrived, we confirmed she had passed away,” the neighbor said.

Two Others Injured in Muganza Sector

Gisagara District Mayor Rutaburingoga Jérome confirmed the incident. He said lightning also struck two other people in Muganza Sector.

Health workers rushed the injured victims to Mugombwa Health Center. Doctors say they are in stable condition.

Authorities Warn of Climate Change Effects

Mayor Rutaburingoga said the incidents show the growing impact of climate change. He noted that such events were rare in the past.

“Last year, lightning killed 13 people in this district alone. Earlier this week, lightning also injured two people and struck cattle in Gishubi Sector. This shows that the threat is serious,” he said.

He added that the district has started installing lightning conductors in public places. He also urged residents to stay alert during heavy rains.

Widespread Damage From Extreme Weather

Extreme weather caused major damage in Gisagara District last year. More than 150 houses collapsed. Flooding also destroyed over 500 hectares of crops, mostly in marshland areas.

Lightning and Landslides Among Deadliest Disasters

On January 4, 2025, lightning struck 15 people in Ngoma District. They were sheltering from rain while caring for livestock. Nine people died on the spot.

A national climate disaster report released in 2024 shows a sharp rise in deaths from natural hazards. Between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people in Rwanda. Lightning strikes killed 379 others during the same period.