In Kibeho sector, Nyaruguru District, the new iron sheets on Alphonse Bizumuremyi's house are a painful reminder of the devastation caused by heavy rains. Bizumuremyi lost his wife, who was eight months pregnant, when rain-related disasters struck his home. He survived alongside his three-year-old child. ALSO READ: Govt steps up flood preparedness as strong El Niño looms “I lost both a house and a wife who was eight months pregnant. I survived with a three-year-old child,” he recalls. His house has since been rehabilitated, but the threat of further disasters remains. His neighbour, Faustin Niyomugabo, is reinforcing his house's foundation and ceiling as the country prepares for another potentially destructive rainy season. Residents are also digging erosion-control trenches and constructing drainage channels to divert runoff during heavy rains. Their efforts reflect a broader national push to protect vulnerable communities as Rwanda prepares for El Niño conditions, which are expected to bring above-normal rainfall to several parts of the country. According to the Ministry in charge of emergency management (MINEMA), 4,785 households have been relocated from high-risk areas across the country in 2026. ALSO READ: Parliament clears Rwf207bn for disaster response However, thousands of families remain exposed to flooding, landslides and other rain-related disasters, prompting districts to intensify relocation, drainage improvement and emergency preparedness measures. Where the heaviest rains are expected The Rwanda Meteorology Agency forecasts rainfall ranging from 300 to 1,000 millimetres during the season, compared with the usual range of 279mm to 962mm. Aimable Gahigi, the agency's Director General, said the forecast draws on weather patterns observed in 1997 and 2023, which resemble conditions expected in 2026. The highest rainfall, ranging from 800mm to 1,000mm, is expected in Nyamasheke, western Rutsiro and Karongi, western and southern Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru, and eastern Rusizi. Musanze, Gakenke, parts of Burera and Muhanga, and much of the Western Province are expected to receive between 600mm and 800mm. Gicumbi, Rulindo, Kigali, Huye, Nyanza, Ruhango and Nyagatare, alongside parts of Gisagara and Kamonyi, are forecast to receive between 450mm and 600mm. Gahigi warned that El Niño conditions could persist from October 2026 through January and February 2027. “January and February are a bit drier but they will be characterised by rains. We have to be well prepared,” he said. Thousands face relocation In the Western Province, Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura said 2,799 households have been relocated from high-risk zones, while 17 evacuation sites have been identified across the province. Nyabihu District has identified 532 households requiring relocation and plans to provide rental support. Three evacuation sites have also been prepared. In Rusizi, Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba said 400 households have already been relocated from high-risk areas, of which 317 will receive rental support. Surveillance teams have also been deployed to monitor areas classified as moderately at risk. Rubavu has identified 590 households requiring relocation and allocated Rwf201 million in its 2026/27 budget to construct houses for vulnerable families living in high-risk areas. Schools and other public facilities are being encouraged to install lightning protection systems. ALSO READ: Rwanda strengthens telecom systems for disaster response Karongi District has prepared two fully equipped evacuation sites, established disaster management command posts and trained response teams down to the cell level. In the Southern Province, Governor Alice Kayitesi said 2,268 households, mainly in Muhanga, Kamonyi and Nyamagabe, remain in high-risk areas and require relocation. Authorities have also identified roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure vulnerable to flooding and landslides. “We are considering temporary relocation sites. Constructing drainage channels, clearing existing water drainage systems and maintaining erosion-control ditches are also key,” Kayitesi said. Muhanga District has identified 64 high-risk areas and 199 households requiring assistance to secure alternative accommodation. It has prepared 14 evacuation sites. Mayor Jacqueline Kayitare said the district is clearing drainage channels, maintaining erosion-control trenches and filling abandoned mining pits, while urging mining companies to strengthen worker safety. In Nyanza, 1,127 households have received support to secure their roofs, while 51 others received iron sheets to repair damaged roofing. The district has also cleared drainage channels and designated at least one evacuation site in every sector, with Kibirizi having two because of its terrain. Another 13 households in high-risk areas are being considered for relocation and rental support. Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege said preparations include repairing damaged bridges, improving drainage infrastructure and working with the Red Cross to ensure emergency supplies are available. Northern districts step up preparedness Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said 6,950 households were initially identified as living in high-risk zones across the province. Of these, 619 households were earmarked for immediate relocation, and 564 had been moved by June 2026. However, 6,386 households remain in high-risk areas, highlighting the scale of the relocation challenge facing the province. ALSO READ: Rwanda loses $300m to disasters annually - report Mugabowagahunde said authorities continue to provide temporary rental support to vulnerable families when heavy rainfall is expected, pending permanent relocation. Gakenke District has identified 49 disaster-prone hotspots and more than 881 households living in high-risk areas. Mayor Vestine Mukandayisenga said the district had requested rental assistance from MINEMA and begun relocating affected families. Community work in August focused on repairing damaged bridges and clearing drainage channels. Emergency evacuation sites, including Mugunga, have also been identified. In Musanze, 125 residents identified in high-risk areas have been relocated, according to Theobard Kayiranga, the district's Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs. The district has trained disaster-response teams comprising youth volunteers, security personnel, para-social workers and Red Cross volunteers. At the national level, MINEMA said 14 emergency evacuation sites have been established in four districts: Kigali, Musanze, Kayonza and Karongi. Emergency relief warehouses have also been established to support disaster response. Across the country, authorities are combining relocation, infrastructure repairs, drainage maintenance and emergency response preparations to reduce the potential impact of the coming rains. For families such as Bizumuremyi's, who have already experienced the devastating consequences of extreme weather, those preparations could mean the difference between safety and another tragedy.
