05 Dec 2019 | 04:58 PM UTC
Burundi: Rain-triggered landslides leave 26 dead in Cibitoke province December 5
Rain-triggered landslides leave at least 26 people dead and ten others missing in Cibitoke province as of December 5; similar landslides to be expected in areas affected by heavy rainfall over the coming weeks
Event
Rain-triggered landslides have left at least 26 people dead and ten others missing in Cibitoke province as of Thursday, December 5. Search-and-rescue operations were ongoing in the area as of Thursday, according to the Burundian security ministry. The landslides came after heavy rainfall was recorded in the area on Wednesday, December 4.
Similar landslides are to be expected in parts of Cibitoke province affected by heavy rainfall over the coming weeks.
Context
East Africa has recently experienced a bout of unseasonably heavy rainfall due to higher-than-average water temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which is partially attributed to a larger, global phenomenon of rising ocean temperatures.
Advice
Individuals in Cibitoke province 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.
