22 Apr 2020 | 01:09 PM UTC
Burundi: Flooding damages 6000 homes in the Bujumbura Rural and Bujumbura Mairie provinces April 20
Heavy rains and associated floods affect 27,000 people across the Bujumbura Rural and Bujumbura Mairie provinces as of April 20; monitor weather forecast
Event
As of Monday, April 20, heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have damaged at least 6000 houses, affecting 27,000 people across the Bujumbura Rural and Bujumbura Mairie provinces, after the Rusizi River burst its banks. The most affected areas include the localities of Gatumba (Bujumbura Rural province) and Bujumbura (Bujumbura Mairie province). As of Tuesday, April 21, no casualties have been reported.
Further heavy rains across most of Burundi are forecast for Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23. Associated flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated while rescue operations are ongoing.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
