Number of dead 'continues to rise' after 129 killed due to torrential rainfall in Rwanda

At least 129 people have been killed after torrential rain caused flooding in Rwanda.

The number of dead "continues to rise" after flooding and mudslides were caused by heavy rain that started last week, the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency said.

The search for more victims is underway following more extreme weather through the night.

"This could be the highest disaster-induced death toll to be recorded in the country in the shortest period, according to available records from recent years," the government-backed New Times newspaper reported.

Dr Leslie Madbon, a lecturer in environmental systems at The Open University, said: "The flooding in Rwanda reminds us that there is no such thing as a natural disaster. Global process of uneven development, as well as political and planning decisions taken at different levels of government, all influence the ability of people and places to respond to extremes and hazards.

"At the same time, it is also true that climate change increases the likelihood of extreme rainfall events like this occurring."

The hilly landscapes of the western and northern provinces of the country and the capital, Kigali, make them vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season.

Even more rain is expected, according to the Rwanda Meteorology Agency.

It follows the death of three people who, last week, drowned in floods in the remote district of Rukungiri, in Rwanda's neighbour, Uganda.

From January to April 60 people were killed in weather-related disasters and around 1,205 houses and 5,000 acres of land across the country were destroyed.

In the past, the government has asked residents in wetland areas to evacuate.

Dr Madbon added: "The heavy rains and flooding in recent months are an unfortunate reminder that the places and people who are being hit first and hardest by changes in the climate are often those who have the least ability to adapt, and who have done the least to contribute to climate change.

"That's why there is an urgent need for the wealthier nations to reduce their own emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, and to step up their financial commitments to help less well-off nations adapt to climate change and compensate them for the losses and damages that climate change is causing."