Rwanda has stepped up efforts to strengthen its preparedness for disasters that could be linked to El Niño, including floods and landslides, as forecasts point to increased rainfall in the coming months.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which can influence weather patterns around the world. In Africa, its effects can vary, with some areas experiencing drought while others receive heavier-than-normal rainfall.
On August 10-11, 2026, the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) held discussions with the World Bank aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s disaster preparedness and launching the Contingent Emergency Response Project (CERP).
CERP is designed to help countries access funding quickly when disasters strike. Under the mechanism, some World Bank financing originally allocated to other projects can be redirected to emergency response activities when a crisis occurs.
Permanent Secretary at MINEMA, Aristarque Ngoga, said disaster preparedness goes beyond having emergency equipment, stressing the importance of ensuring that all institutions understand their responsibilities and are ready to respond quickly when disasters occur.
Rwanda has also requested $86.2 million, equivalent to more than Rwf126.6 billion, to strengthen its capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters, particularly in areas considered highly vulnerable.
Climate experts have warned that 2026 could rank among the hottest years globally. Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi said Rwanda could receive more than 400 millimetres of rainfall in the coming months.
Gahigi said the potential impact of El Niño could resemble conditions experienced in 1997 and 2023, when heavy rains affected the region between October and December.
Rwanda has already taken measures to reduce the exposure of communities living in disaster-prone areas.
Since the beginning of 2026, MINEMA has relocated 4,785 households from areas considered highly vulnerable to disasters. Nearly 4,000 people have also received training on disaster preparedness and response, while 14 temporary reception sites have been established for people affected by disasters.
Emergency response equipment has been stocked in strategic locations in Kigali, Musanze, Kayonza and Karongi to enable authorities to respond more quickly when disasters occur.
The preparations come against a backdrop of significant losses caused by disasters in recent years.
Over the past five years, disasters have damaged more than 16,600 houses across Rwanda, including about 2,700 that were destroyed. The disasters have also affected roads, bridges, schools, electricity infrastructure, health facilities and markets.
With heavy rainfall expected in the months ahead, authorities are strengthening early preparedness measures to reduce the potential loss of lives, damage to infrastructure and disruption of livelihoods.
KIGALI TIMES