Rwanda: Govt Steps Up Flood Preparedness As Strong El Niño Looms

What the report says

Rwanda is expanding preparations for floods, landslides and related weather hazards as regional forecasters warn that a very strong El Niño could drive above-average rainfall across much of East Africa during the October-December rainy season, according to The New Times via AllAfrica. The warning was discussed at the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 74) in Rwanda, where scientists and policymakers are reviewing the regional forecast produced by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s climate center, ICPAC.

Rwandan officials said the government wants the coming months to be used to improve early warning systems, reinforce disaster response plans and reduce risks for communities, roads, bridges, crops and other vulnerable infrastructure. The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management also urged institutions and residents to prepare before rains intensify, noting that heavy rainfall can trigger floods, landslides, lightning and strong winds. Climate and environment officials said preparedness should include protection of vulnerable groups such as smallholder farmers, informal-settlement residents, people with disabilities and others exposed to weather shocks.

The regional outlook suggests much of the Greater Horn of Africa is likely to see wetter-than-normal conditions later in the year, with some areas facing a significant chance of rainfall totals above 400 millimetres. Forecast experts cited in the report said September may be relatively dry before rains strengthen in October and November. The broader significance is that El Niño-related rainfall can affect multiple sectors at once, including agriculture, health, water, energy and transport, and can have cross-border impacts in a region linked by shared rivers, markets and livelihoods.