Disaster preparedness a daunting challenge - Midimar official

Cases of natural disasters in the country have increased in the recent past, posing a serious threat to Rwandans. Everyday brings new challenges often leading to loss of life and destruction of property. The last decade has seen a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Figures from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (Midimar) indicate that 76 people died while another 125 were seriously injured as a result of different disasters that struck different parts of the country between January and October. Up to 1,725 houses and 1,183 hectares of plantations were also destroyed over the same period, leading to loss of billions of francs, according to Midimar. The figures paint a bleak picture of communities that are faced with serious disasters which are causing significant material, financial and human losses. Potential consequences of climate change are likely to further exacerbate Rwanda’s vulnerability to disasters and the magnitude of their impacts, experts warn. But while efforts are being made to curb disasters, there is still a challenge of involving communities. The real issue then remains whether the population is ready to deal with disasters and whether they know what they are supposed to do to limit their vulnerability and possible damages that could result from disasters. “Not sure what to do” Jeanne Nikuze, a mother of two who lives in Gisagara District, lost the roof of her house following a heavy downpour that pounded her area late last month. Following renovation works, Nikuze now lives in her house though serious cracks are still visible near the roof, an indicator that the house remains vulnerable to future disasters. Besides, Nikuze’s house sits on a steep cliff overlooking a valley, clearly putting the house directly in the wind trajectory–something that makes the house more vulnerable to violent winds. Nikuze is well aware of the risks but says she has tried her best to reduce the risks. “I tried to strengthen the roof structure with metal straps in vain,” she says. But Nikuze is not alone. Several residents said they were highly vulnerable to disasters. They cite lack of finances to either move out of risky zones or strengthen their houses. But officials say they are educating citizens on their role in mitigating the impacts of disasters as well as minimising damages. Nikuze lost the roof of her house in a recent windstorm. Joint responsibility Jean Bapstiste Nsegiyumva, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness at Midimar says more efforts are being put in prevention. Prevention costs less than response and averts the overwhelming impacts of disasters, Nsengiyumva says. He said in order to educate the public on disaster management, committees have been put in place in districts and sectors to spread messages on risk management and mitigation. The ministry works closely with community-based groups and associations to create awareness on the management of disasters. Plans are also underway to create disaster risk reduction clubs to spur efforts geared at minimising losses that are due to natural calamities, he says. “We are trying to show the community that their role in preventing disasters and averting their impacts is crucial,” Nsengiyumva says. He cites poor construction planning as one of the issues still exposing people to disasters such as windstorms, floods and mudslides. Construction in high-risk zones, lack of infrastructures to retain rain water for future use and lack of proper water channelling and drainage systems, among others, are making households prone to disasters, the official says. “Houses that do not meet construction standards and structures being erected in risky zones are a threat to people’s lives,” Nsengiyumva warns. He called for joint efforts to limit damages and ensure that every citizen understands their role in reducing the risks of disasters and mitigating their consequences. Nsengiyumva says there is still need to engage the public to help reduce risks associated with disasters. “Some people think that preventing disasters is so expensive. It is small actions like retaining rainwater off rooftops, planting trees in areas prone to strong winds to act as windbreakers, orienting the roof structure in the direction that is opposite that of the wind, and avoiding substandard electrical materials,” he says. “Disaster risk reduction is everyone’s responsibility. There is no doubt we shall minimise the risks that come with disasters,” he says.

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Disaster preparedness a daunting challenge - Midimar official