Law on Disaster Risk Management

This law aims to strengthen the resilience of the Comoros to disaster risks, whether attributed to natural hazards, including those related to climate change and variability, or to human activities, regardless of their nature, origin, and magnitude. The law also seeks to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key actors in disaster risk management and to determine the strategic policies needed to facilitate the coordination of risk prevention and management actions. One of the major objectives of the law is to strengthen knowledge and institutional capacity in the field of disaster risk management. This aims to reduce damage and losses caused by natural and man-made disasters, while adopting a "build back better" approach during the recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction phases. Resilience at all levels is a priority, with particular attention paid to the communities most vulnerable to climate change. To ensure effective disaster risk management, the law provides for the mobilization of various national structures. These structures are tasked with preserving human lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and basic services. They are also responsible for protecting facilities essential to the defense and safety of the population, as well as the environment. Furthermore, the law establishes a national early warning system, an essential strategic instrument for monitoring and coordinating necessary actions in the event of a disaster. Article 16 of the law grants the President of the Union the power to declare a "state of disaster" until the end of the crisis. The General Directorate of Civil Security is responsible for coordinating rescue, protection, first aid, evacuation, and security operations for people and property, as well as for implementing early recovery, mitigation, and adaptation measures in the face of disasters.