Disaster Risk Reduction

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports Member States in integrating mobility in strategies that reduce risk and build resilience. In line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (The Sendai Framework) and underpinned by broad multi-stakeholder engagement, these efforts harness dimensions of mobility in prevention and preparedness, respond to disaster displacement when it cannot be avoided, and promote resilience and durable solutions in recovery and reconstruction.

Since September 2019, Rwanda has experienced heavy rains that culminated in April-May 2020, causing floods and landslides in several districts across Rwanda. Rainfall estimates show that the rains in March – April 2020 were approximately 80 per cent higher than normal. The rainfall in May 2020 caused severe damages, amongst other it brought the accumulated number of lost lives by storms for the year to over 240 (out of which 72 was a result of the rain on 6th and 7th May 2020 alone).

To ensure that households who were affected by floods and landslides rebuild their homes, through the CERF funded project IOM will provide shelter materials to meet the immediate emergency housing needs of the most vulnerable displaced populations. This intervention takes place in three districts which have been identified as the most affected by the current floods/landslides in Rwanda: Nyabihu, Gakenke and Ngororero. This intervention aims at saving lives and alleviating the suffering of the populations affected by floods and landslides in Rwanda and particularly assisting the victims of landslides with life-saving support as avoiding the poor humanitarian situation to further deteriorate. The output of the project is to ensure that the most vulnerable displaced households are provided with adequate emergency shelter assistance.