At least nine people were killed and six others injured after a lightning strike hit a group of civilians in eastern Rwanda, local authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Jarama area of Ngoma District, located in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. According to local reports, the victims were among a group of farmers who had gathered after working in nearby fields and sought shelter as heavy rain began.

Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency that the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, adding that emergency teams responded swiftly to the scene.

Experts note that lightning-related fatalities are relatively common in both eastern and western parts of Rwanda due to the country’s geographical features and terrain, which increase vulnerability during seasonal storms.

Rwandan authorities have repeatedly urged residents to follow safety guidelines during thunderstorms, including seeking enclosed shelter immediately, avoiding trees and open areas, refraining from mobile phone use, unplugging electrical devices, and installing lightning protection systems where possible.

Officials said public awareness campaigns would continue in an effort to reduce casualties caused by extreme weather conditions. (ILKHA)