Lightning sensors installed at Musanze Polytechnic

Rwanda experiences a number of effects of various hazards like landslides, floods, fire outbreaks, windstorms, lightning, earthquakes, drought, etc. Disasters, in particular floods, have had a great impact on human development (lives and livelihoods), property and assets, infrastructure and the environment in Northern Rwanda. Heavy rains, soil instability, volcanic soil, steep slopes and insufficient drainage systems combine with inappropriate land management and limited early warning and preparedness to create high vulnerability. In order to increase the resilience and reduce vulnerability of the communities there is the need for continuous monitoring and communication channels to community before floods occur. Thus the development of an early warning system on floods is of great help and important to communities.

During its pilot project in Musanze city '' Severe weather warning on floods and lightning'', SWC has developed five lightning sensors to enable alerts dissemination to citizens before lightning strikes.

These sensors have been installed at mapped site in Musanze city and other locations and now sensors are under testing on data gathering and interpretation. Additionally, Three validation sensors have been added to Severe Weather Consult (SWC) sensors for validation purpose.

Sensors have been installed at 1. INES Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Sciences, 2. University of Rwanda/CAVEM, 3. Musanze Polytechnic, 4. Groupe scolaire Mubuga, 5. Kibogora Polytechnic and 6. Kitabi College of Conservation and Environmental Management (KCCEM).