Burundi: torrential rains continue to destroy homes and fields of crops

At least 13 families have lost their homes in the commune and province of Kayanza (northern Burundi). Those families are from the Batwa, a minority and very poor community. They are asking for emergency aid. In Kirundo (north), at least 30 houses and 100 hectares have been destroyed while households – victims of torrential rains in Mugamba (south) are still waiting to be assisted, without luck. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The locality that was badly affected in Kayanza is Magamba. The rains that caused this damage were mixed with hail, say administrative sources. The victims are asking for emergency aid. They have been sleeping under the stars or with host families since October 1st.

“They are homeless at the moment. In any case, they cannot do anything without assistance,” plead local administrative officials.

Same scenario in Kirundo

According to a report released by administrative officials of the commune of Vumbi in Kirundo province in northern Burundi, the torrential rains that fell on this region last Tuesday also caused several damages. They destroyed more than 100 hectares of banana, cassava, bean, coffee and fruit trees.

The local administration reports that several families are currently homeless. It is asking the leadership to intervene.

“The affected households need food, shelter and seeds to try to replant,” says the report.

Mugamba victims left to fend for themselves

In Mugamba commune in Bururi province (south), at least 1,100 households are in need. Their fields or houses were destroyed or damaged on September 20. Since then, they have not received any assistance, according to residents who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi. Their testimony is confirmed by grassroot authorities. More than 180 hectares of corn, potatoes, beans, zucchini, cabbages and banana trees, not to mention fodder plants, were washed away by torrential rains mixed with hail and strong winds.

In Mugamba, victims of these rains say they urgently need help in the form of seeds and food.

In the three provinces, administrative officials are still counting on mutual aid in areas where the purchasing power of families continues to decrease due to the high cost of living and the depreciation of the Burundian currency.