A family in Nyamasheke District is mourning after a 41-year-old woman died when thunder struck her home during heavy rain.
The sad incident happened on 19 May 2026 in Bururi Village, Banda Cell, Rangiro Sector, in western Rwanda.
According to local leaders, the woman was inside her kitchen preparing food for her children when the thunder hit the house.
Her young baby, whom she was carrying at the time, survived the incident with only minor injuries.
Heavy Rain Turned Into Tragedy
Residents in the area said the evening started with strong rain, thunder, and lightning.
Around 4 PM, the rain became lighter, but moments later thunder struck the family’s kitchen.
The victim, identified as Nyiranziyumvira Marie Rose, was cooking with her children nearby.
She was carrying one of her two-year-old twins when the tragedy happened.
The older child quickly ran to call neighbors for help after seeing what happened inside the kitchen.
Neighbors later informed local authorities and emergency teams.
Baby Survived With Minor Injuries
The Executive Secretary of Rangiro Sector, Jean Claude Mutesa, confirmed that the child survived.
He explained that the baby suffered light burns on the hip and was immediately taken for medical treatment.
Local leaders said the child is receiving care and is expected to recover.
Officials also expressed sympathy to the grieving family and promised support during this difficult time.
Poor Roads Delayed Emergency Response
Authorities explained that reaching the home was difficult because roads in the area become hard to use during heavy rain.
Roads including Tyazo Banda and Winka Banda were reportedly damaged by the weather and difficult for vehicles to pass through.
Because of the poor road conditions, officials and security teams could not immediately access the home after the incident.
The woman’s body remained at the family home overnight while authorities prepared next steps.
Family Faces Another Difficult Loss
Local leaders revealed that this is the second person from the same family to die from thunder within the past five years.
The woman’s husband was reportedly away from home at the time of the tragedy.
He had spent the last two weeks working in forests cutting timber for income.
Community members described the incident as heartbreaking, especially for the young children left behind.
Authorities Promise Support for the Children
Local authorities said they are working on ways to support the surviving twins after losing their mother.
Officials fear the children could face health and nutrition problems if support is not provided quickly.
Community leaders and neighbors have also promised to stand with the family during the mourning period.
Safety During Thunderstorms
Rwanda usually experiences strong rains and thunderstorms during some seasons.
Safety experts advise people to:
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms
- Avoid standing near metal objects
- Keep away from trees during lightning
- Disconnect electrical devices when storms become strong
People living in rural areas are also encouraged to build safer homes with proper lightning protection where possible.
For weather and safety updates in Rwanda, visit:
Rwanda Meteorology Agency
For emergency and disaster preparedness information, visit:
Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management Rwanda