ABOUT US
Despite having being lawfully established in 2014 by enactment of the Disaster Risk Management Act, disaster risk management as a government pre-occupation started decades prior.
In 1995 a National Disaster Committee (NDC) was created and its mandate was to study the different natural disasters which may strike the islands of Seychelles. Its prime objectives were prevention and preparation of National Disaster Response Plan (NDPR).
In October 2004 as the National Disaster Secretariat for the NDC was established. Two months later on 26th December 2004 a tsunami that was triggered by an earthquake with the epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, impacted Seychelles.
In 2006, the Department of Risk and Disaster Management was established under the Vice Presidentās Office.
In 2010, the organisation was split into 2 divisions; i.e.; the Disaster and Risk Management and the Operation, Education and Communication divisions with two directors general at the helm of each.
In 2012 the two divisions were merged into one with one director general as the head.
In August 2014, the Disaster Risk Management Act was assented and established the Disaster Risk Management Division as a division within the government of Seychelles for effective management of disaster through a comprehensive and integrated all hazard approach and for matters connected therewith or incidents thereto.
In December 2025, the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) was transformed into the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM), established under the portfolio of the Office of the Vice-President, and headed by a Principal Secretary. This transformation aims to strengthen national disaster governance, enhance policy authority, and improve the operational coordination of disaster risk management activities.
MANDATE, VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Mandate of the Division
In accordance to the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2014 the Department of Risk Disaster Management is established for the effective management of disaster through a comprehensive and integrated all-hazard approach and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Vision
A resilientSeychelles where evidence-based decision-making, empowered communities and strong national systems safeguard lives, livelihoods and sustainable development.
Mission1. Strengthen national resilience through integrated risk governance and empowered communities to safeguard our national development.
2. Ensure national readiness by coordinating effective preparedness, response and recovery systems grounded in global best practice.
3. Advance risk knowledge, innovation and digital transformation to support informed decisions and accountability.
Values1. Integrity & Accountability
We uphold the highest ethical standards, transparency and responsibility in managing public resources, information and national trust.
2. Professional Excellence
We commit to continuous improvement, technical competence, innovation and operational discipline in all aspects of disaster risk management.
3.Service to the Nation
We prioritise public safety, community engagement and national wellbeing in every action and decision.
4. Collaboration & Partnership
We work inclusively with government, communities, partners and regional/international bodies to deliver unified, effective and sustainable outcomes.
5. Evidence-Driven Action
We rely on credible data, rigorous analysis and lessons learned to shape decisions, policies and interventions.
6. Resilience & Adaptability
We embrace change, remain flexible in dynamic environment and champion resilience across systems, institutions, and communities.
7. Compassion & Human-Centred Service
We recognise and place people at the heart of disaster risk reduction and emergency management.
