Rwanda advances with Sendai Framework

Source(s): United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Africa
A community in Gombaniro Village, Rusizi District, Rwanda, participates in an exercise to map hazards affecting their village (photo UNISDR/Samuel Okiror)
A community in Gombaniro Village, Rusizi District, Rwanda, participates in an exercise to map hazards affecting their village (photo UNISDR/Samuel Okiror)

KIGALI, 1 May, 2018 - Rwanda has mainstreamed disaster risk reduction (DRR) across all sectors and put in place strong regulations and contingency plans to address all natural and man-made hazards affecting the country.

The country was among the first countries in the world to start using the Sendai Framework Monitor when it was launched in March. This was made possible due to its development of a national disaster loss database, supported by UNISDR under the European Union funded “Building Disaster Resilience to Natural Hazards in Sub-Saharan African Regions, Countries and Communities Programme.” The data will help inform and report on its DRR progress.

The online Sendai Framework Monitor tracks global progress on reducing disaster losses as agreed by UN Member States when they adopted the global plan, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-203O.

“Disaster risk reduction has been integrated within key development sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, environment, education, urbanization, information, communications, technology and youth. We are also promoting coherence and synergy with our national and local frameworks,” said Mr. Alphonse Hishamunda, Director DRR and Preparedness Unit, Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR).

Rwanda has incorporated disaster risk reduction into local development plans in 24 out of 30 districts aimed at preventing the creation of new risk, reducing existing risk and strengthening economic, social, health and environmental resilience.

The country has experienced a growing number of disasters in recent decades. Lightning strikes, floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains and storms are the most frequently occurring disasters.

In 2016 at least 100 people were killed by landslides, particularly in the northern hilly and mountainous area, according to MIDIMAR’s statistics.

In September 2017, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Huye, Bugesera, Ngoma, Kirehe, Gicumbi, Rubavu and Nyabihu provinces were struck by severe storms and rain. At least five people were killed and 24 injured. An estimated 5,850 people from 1,170 households were affected, with 640 families left homeless and vulnerable.

Rwanda’s National Risk Atlas launched in September 2015 is the first-ever comprehensive disaster risk profile developed in Africa to enhance disaster risk management and provides guidance in risk-informed national planning and policy-making on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

In 2015-2016, Rwanda conducted a lightning risk assessment study which identified measures to reduce lightning impacts. The government has allocated resources to install lightning arresters in the lightning-prone Rutsiro District.

MIDIMAR undertakes continuous capacity development in disaster risk reduction for government officials, communities and volunteers with support from UNDP. In the last five years the government has significantly increased resources to support disaster risk reduction and management. 

“MIDIMAR regularly leads and coordinates annual simulations and drills to ensure rapid and effective response to disasters and related displacement, as appropriate to local needs,” stated Mr. Hishamunda.

Rwanda has also put in place environmental regulations and standards to enforce proper design, construction and use of disaster-resilient building materials and to ensure compliance with building codes which have been updated taking into consideration disaster risk reduction elements.

The all-inclusive nature of effective implementation of the Sendai Framework has been highlighted by Ms. Maria Gemma Dalena, UNDP’s Disaster Risk Reduction Technical Advisor. “The goals of the Sendai Framework can be achieved if countries, governments, local authorities and the most vulnerable communities are enabled and supported to implement activities to act as building blocks towards ensuring disaster risks are reduced and resilience is built,” she said.

As part of public awareness on disasters, MIDIMAR undertakes regular media and social media campaigns.  Rwanda celebrates the International Day for Disaster Reduction every year, as a curtain raiser for a Disaster Risk Reduction Week.

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