23 Dec 2019 | 01:45 PM UTC
Burundi: Heavy rains leave 15 dead in Bujumbura December 23
Heavy rains and landslides leave at least 15 people dead in Bujumbura as of December 23; further heavy rainfalls expected over the coming weeks
Event
Rain-triggered landslides that affected the capital Bujumbura on December 21-22 have left at least 15 people dead as of Monday, December 23. At least 30 other people are also reported missing and over 90 houses have been destroyed.
Further heavy rainfalls are possible over the coming days.
Context
East Africa has recently experienced a bout of unseasonably heavy rainfalls due to higher-than-average water temperatures in the Indian Ocean This is partially attributed to a larger, global phenomenon of rising ocean temperatures.
Advice
Individuals in Bujumbura are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas affected by landslides, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
