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 President’s 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.

FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT (AS PER DRM ACT 2014) link below

MANDATE, VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Mandate of the Department
In accordance with the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2014, the Department of Risk and Disaster Management is established to ensure the effective management of disasters through a comprehensive and integrated all-hazards approach, including all matters connected thereto or incidental thereto.

Vision
A resilient Seychelles where evidence-based decision-making, empowered communities, and strong national systems safeguard lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

Mission

  1. Strengthen national resilience through integrated risk governance and empowered communities to safeguard national development.
  2. Ensure national readiness by coordinating effective preparedness, response, and recovery systems grounded in global best practices.
  3. Advance risk knowledge, innovation, and digital transformation to support informed decision-making and accountability.
Values
  1. Integrity & Accountability: We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and responsibility in managing public resources, information, and national trust.
  2. Professional Excellence: We are committed 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 well-being in every action and decision.
  4. Collaboration & Partnership: We work inclusively with government, communities, partners, and regional and international bodies to deliver unified, effective, and sustainable outcomes.
  5. Evidence-Driven Action: We rely on credible data, rigorous analysis, and lessons learned to guide decisions, policies, and interventions.
  6. Resilience & Adaptability: We embrace change, remain flexible in dynamic environments, and promote resilience across systems, institutions, and communities.
  7. Compassion & Human-Centred Service: We place people at the heart of disaster risk reduction and emergency management.