Cibitoke under water and hail : four dead, dozens injured, and hundreds of families in distress

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, February 6, 2026 – Violent rains, accompanied by strong winds and hail, struck the Ngoma zone of ​​Cibitoke district, Bujumbura province, in western Burundi, on Thursday afternoon, February 5. The storms caused the deaths of four people, including two children, and left dozens injured, while hundreds of families found themselves in a dire humanitarian situation.

Four dead and twenty-six seriously injured

The provisional toll reports four deaths and 26 people seriously injured, following the collapse of houses due to the severe weather. The victims were evacuated to local health facilities, while some of the injured were transferred to hospitals in Cibitoke and Bujumbura, the commercial capital, for specialized care.

Massive destruction of homes and social infrastructure

Torrential rains, combined with strong winds and hail, affected four villages in the Ngoma zone. According to initial assessments, more than 400 houses were destroyed or severely damaged.

The social infrastructure also suffered significant damage : 15 churches, 18 classrooms, and a health center were affected.

Devastated crops and an imminent risk of famine

Crop fields were severely affected just before harvest time. Crops of corn, cassava, coffee, bananas, tomatoes, and onions, as well as fruit trees such as mango and lemon trees, were destroyed.

Those affected by the disaster say they have no means of subsistence and fear imminent famine.

Schools closed due to fears of collapse

All schools in the area remained closed on Friday, February 6, as damaged or already collapsed classrooms posed a major danger to pupils and staff. No classes were held for fear of further collapses.

Urgent appeal for humanitarian aid and fair assistance

Residents, school officials, and religious leaders are making an urgent appeal for solidarity, requesting rapid assistance in the form of food, shelter, and essential supplies.

They are urging the authorities to ensure the fair distribution of aid, denouncing past practices in which non-disaster victims, often close to the ruling party, unfairly benefited from assistance.

Authorities promise a transparent census

The head of the Ngoma zone, Martin Niyonkuru, confirms the events and assures that a census of those affected will be conducted to identify the true beneficiaries. He promises to submit a report to the relevant authorities and to ensure that the victims’ rights are respected.