KIGALI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday visited areas in Rubavu District of Western Province that were heavily affected by recent floods and landslides caused by heavy rains.

Weather-related disasters that hit Rwanda on May 2 and 3 killed at least 131 people in Western, Northern and Southern provinces, and displaced more than 9,000 people, according to figures from the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management.

During his visit to the affected areas, Kagame spoke to people impacted by the disasters and expressed his condolences. "I came here to visit you and let you know that we are thinking of you and are saddened by what has happened. Your concerns are our concerns, and we are exploring every possible option to help you recover."

He pledged swift support to households, schools, and other infrastructure affected by the disasters, adding that the government is making relentless efforts to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

At least 94 people have been injured, and more than 5,550 houses, 14 roads and over 50 schools were destroyed; the disasters also destroyed crops, and water and power infrastructures.

The Rwandan government needs about 110 billion Rwandan francs (about 98 million U.S. dollars) to rebuild infrastructure damaged by disasters as a result of heavy rains across the country, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The cabinet approved the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy, which seeks to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for disaster management and to build capacity for disaster management at all levels.

It also approved an emergency response plan aimed at reinforcing efforts to provide urgent relief to communities affected by disasters, according to a recent statement by the Office of the Prime Minister. Enditem

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