The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management is warning Rwandans that this year’s rainy season (Umuhindo) is expected to bring heavy rainfall caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, and is calling on people to prepare early by implementing measures to prevent and reduce the risks of potential disasters.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, July 28, 2026, based on meteorological data, this year’s rainy season will be marked by heavy rainfall.
The Ministry stated: “Weather forecasts indicate that this year’s rainy season will bring heavy rain due to the El Niño phenomenon, which is characterized by rising ocean temperatures in the wider Pacific.”
It further noted that Rwandans should use the current dry season to put in place measures to prevent risks that could result from this heavy rainfall.
“This dry season we are in is a good time to prepare early, by implementing measures to prevent and reduce the risks of disasters such as flooding, landslides, lightning, storms, and others,” the statement added.
The Ministry is asking people with weak or old houses to repair them, properly secure roofing, seal houses well, and install drainage channels and water systems.
It also states that people living in high-risk zones should relocate early, particularly those near damaged slopes, who should also clear them along with drainage paths, while those farming on slopes should build erosion-control trenches.
Rwandans are also urged to install lightning rods in crowded public places, and to inspect existing ones to ensure they are functioning properly.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently announced that this El Niño phenomenon is expected to trigger climate-related disasters, with impacts including droughts, floods, storms, and extreme heat expected to affect many countries around the world.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres took the opportunity to call on countries and their institutions to put in place early-preparedness measures in order to prevent the impacts these conditions could have on populations.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon caused by rising ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which has significant effects on global climate, with some regions experiencing unusually heavy rainfall.
This phenomenon last occurred between 2023 and 2024, and left 2024 as the hottest year on record globally.
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