Gatumba, a village near Bujumbura town in Burundi, is once again facing severe flooding, causing widespread destruction and displacement among its residents. This latest catastrophe is part of a recurring pattern of floods that have plagued the region, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate infrastructure.
Since early April, heavy rains have led to the overflow of the Rusizi River and the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika, inundating homes and displacing thousands. The Burundian government has called for international assistance to help manage the crisis. “We are issuing this statement to ask our development partners to combine efforts with the state of Burundi to help all people affected by these disasters,” stated Interior Minister Martin Niteretse.
The flooding has left over 100,000 people internally displaced, with significant damage to homes, schools, and critical infrastructure. According to Violet Kenyana Kakyomya, the UN resident coordinator in Burundi, “The number of people internally displaced by flooding rose by 25%, reaching over 98,000”. Many displaced individuals have sought refuge along major roads or in temporary shelters, facing ongoing threats from contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
Experts highlight multiple factors contributing to the flooding. Jean Marie Sabushimike, a disaster management expert at the University of Burundi, emphasized the impact of climate change and poor land-use planning. “It must be said directly that these floods are associated with climate changes that affect Burundi like other countries in the region,” Sabushimike noted. He also pointed out that unregulated construction and insufficient flood management infrastructure exacerbate the situation.
Residents express deep frustration and concern over the recurring floods. Benjamin Nyambere, a local leader, lamented, “All the houses have been demolished. We risk catching diseases such as cholera from contaminated water. For the moment, the population is caught between a rock and a hard place”.
The government and humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief, but the scale of the disaster calls for more robust and sustainable solutions. Addressing the immediate needs of the displaced population is critical, but long-term strategies to improve infrastructure and manage flood risks are essential to prevent future crises.
As Burundi navigates this disaster, the international community’s support will be crucial in providing both immediate relief and long-term solutions to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Gatumba’s residents.
