2024 Disaster Data :
Between January and October 2024, disasters in Rwanda caused significant damage, including:
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1,620 damaged homes
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1,000 hectares of crops destroyed
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66 classrooms affected
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60 road sections damaged
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12 churches and 12 bridges impacted
Rwanda suffers disaster-related losses of between $200 million and $300 million every year, a new report by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has revealed.
The findings come as the country joins the global community in observing the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, that was marked in Kigali on Thursday, November 8.
Held under the theme for this year’s observance, “Understanding the Root Causes of Disaster Risks in Rwanda: From National Policies and Plans to Proactive Actions,”, it highlights the need for urgent action to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience.
Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Emergency Management, emphasized the significant threat that disasters pose to the country. “Disasters severely impact lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment, often leaving irreversible damage,” he said.
With a target to improve national resilience to 60% by 2030, the government aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction policies and integrate them into national planning.
“To reach our goal of 60% resilience by 2030, we’ll need to leverage national disaster risk reduction and management policies,” Habinshuti added
Habinshuti stressed the importance of leveraging these policies to increase resilience, which involves not only reducing the impacts of disasters but also ensuring better preparation and response.
According to Habnshuti, the government’s disaster resilience strategy will require an estimated Rwf 40.2 billion ($32 million). This will fund key initiatives such as an early warning system, which is already in development to improve response capabilities.
Global initiatives are also focusing on improving disaster preparedness. In 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a $3.1 billion global initiative aimed at ensuring that every country has access to early warning systems by 2027. Guterres pointed out that nations lacking effective warning systems experience disaster-related mortality rates that are eight times higher than those with robust systems.
Fulgence Dusabimana, Kigali’s Vice Mayor for Urbanization and Infrastructure, highlighted the need for improved stormwater management to address urban flooding, a growing problem in the city. He stressed, “As we implement the stormwater master plan, disaster risk reduction must remain a central priority.”
Kigali has already invested over $1 million in its Stormwater Management Master Plan, which is expected to be completed in 2024. However, the nationwide stormwater management effort will require approximately $400 million in investments by 2030 to effectively manage flood risks across the country.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, Minister of Emergency Management, underlined the need for better enforcement of building codes and environmental impact assessments in construction projects to boost resilience. He also pointed out the lack of lightning protection in many homes, which exacerbates disaster risks.
Murasira advocated for expanding insurance coverage to help mitigate the economic impact of disasters. He called for increased insurance options for agriculture, livestock, housing, businesses, and even religious buildings, all of which are vulnerable to disaster damage.
The newly launched report shows that in 2024, between January and October alone, disasters in Rwanda caused significant damage, including the destruction of 1,620 homes, 1,000 hectares of crops, 66 classrooms, 60 road sections, 12 churches, and 12 bridges. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience.
To protect vital infrastructure, Murasira stressed the importance of ensuring that public and private institutions are equipped with trained emergency response teams, first aid kits, fire safety measures, and effective land use planning to prevent soil erosion.
“To safeguard our institutions, we must ensure they are equipped with trained emergency response teams, first aid kits, fire safety measures, effective land use, and soil erosion prevention strategies,” he added.
Rwanda’s disaster response strategy over the next five years will focus on enhancing early warning systems, restoring catchment areas, improving watershed management, and implementing flood control measures in high-risk areas. Achieving these goals will require coordinated efforts, integrated projects across sectors, and significant investments.
Rwanda’s commitment to improving disaster resilience represents a long-term vision for a more sustainable and secure future, reducing the toll that disasters currently take on its economy, infrastructure, and people.
