Burundi: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of western and northeastern regions as of early April 13

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of western and northeastern Burundi as of early April 13. Heavy rainfall since late March has resulted in landslides and rivers overflowing, including the Rugogo and Rusizi rivers. The worst affected are Bujumbura Marie, Bujumbura Rural, Cibitoke, and Muyinga provinces.

Recent heavy rainfall resulted in the Rusizi River overflowing and flooding the surrounding areas. More than 4,000 families in the village of Gatumba, Mutimbuzi Commune, Bujumbura Rural Province, are displaced.

Reports indicate that since the heavy rainfall from late March, at least 14 fatalities and seven others were injured in Cibitoke Province due to floods. At least 108 people have been displaced and 16 houses have been damaged. In Bujumbura Marie Province, three people have been injured, 84 others displaced, and several houses destroyed, while in Muyinga Province, three people were injured, 29 others displaced, 20 houses damaged, and two other houses destroyed.

Additional heavy rainfall is likely during the remainder of Burundi's rainy season through May. Further heavy downpours could cause additional flooding and landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.