Post Disaster Needs Assessment and Recovery Plan: May 2021 Rubavu District Seismic Disasters

In the aftermath of Nyiragongo eruption and earthquakes that affected Rubavu District, the Government of Rwanda conducted the Post Disaster Needs Assessment to value physical damages and economic losses as well as costs of meeting recovery needs.

The exercise assessed emergency response activities provided by various government and partners institutions. Those include provision of relief (food and nonfood items) to both displaced Congolese and affected local communities, provision of emergency health services, evacuation of essential services and people exposed to high risks; initial rehabilitation of essential infrastructure (access roads, water supply); ensure security and public order; continuous risk monitoring and provide information to the public for safety. The cost of response interventions was considered as an encountered loss since without the disaster incident these expenses could not have been engaged.  

The risk information available played a key role in the development of Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). The risk monitoring and surveillance highlighted the background on the hazard, exposure, vulnerability to volcanic eruption, seismic activities, interventions with associated cost and recommendations to build resilience.