Inaccessible Evacuation Routes Leave Disabled Rwandans at Greater Risk During Disasters

We’ve partnered with disabled filmmakers globally to document how climate change is impacting people with disabilities in their communities. “Flood Risks Rising” was edited by Megan Canizares.

In May 2023, torrential rains devastated communities across Rwanda, claiming approximately 130 lives and leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Florentine Mukantagwera, a Rwandan woman with a physical disability, recounts the terrifying experience of watching floods consume her surroundings, highlighting the heightened risks faced by people with limited mobility. For individuals like Florentine, navigating the mountainous terrain to access essential services is a daily struggle made worse by natural disasters. As floods increase globally, with Rwanda particularly at risk, the need for inclusive disaster planning grows more urgent. Ensuring safe evacuation routes and accessible shelters is critical for Rwandans with disabilities.

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