KIGALI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda is strengthening its preparedness for extreme weather events amid a very strong El Nino phenomenon, which has been forecast to affect the region, an official said.
Most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa region are forecast to experience a very strong El Nino and enhanced rainfall from October to December, according to a regional climate outlook released in August by the Climate Prediction and Applications Center of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Anthony Twahirwa, division manager of the Weather/Climate Services and Application Division at the Rwanda Meteorology Agency, said the developing strong El Nino, coupled with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, is expected to contribute to above-normal rainfall across Rwanda during the September-December rainy season.
He said while the anticipated rainfall may benefit agriculture and replenish water resources, it could also raise the risk of flooding, landslides, soil erosion and damage to infrastructure, potentially affecting livelihoods and economic activities.
"Strengthening impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, inter-agency coordination and anticipatory action will therefore be essential to minimize potential losses and maximize the benefits of the expected rainfall," he said.
Twahirwa said the government is strengthening preparedness for extreme weather conditions through improved weather forecasting and early warning systems, community mobilization, disaster risk reduction and enhanced coordination among relevant institutions.
Through the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency, local authorities and development partners, the country is implementing several preventive measures.
He cited clearing drainage channels, reinforcing vulnerable infrastructure, promoting relocation from high-risk areas and strengthening the capacity of district disaster management officers to translate forecasts into timely action among the measures.
These interventions, he said, are particularly important in view of the forecasted above-normal rainfall during the September-December rainy season.
He also emphasized the importance of continued investment in impact-based early warnings, community preparedness and anticipatory action to minimize loss of life, damage to property and disruption of livelihoods.
In recent days, severe flooding in parts of Rwanda triggered deadly landslides due to extreme weather, damaging the country's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, homes, and school facilities.
Twahirwa emphasized that more rainfall could greatly impact climate-sensitive sectors such as health and agriculture.
"Excessive moisture, waterlogging, and severe storms can damage planted crops, disrupt farming calendars, and threaten overall food production," he said. ■