At least 14 people have died and 33 injured after torrential rain caused flash flooding in the city of Bujumbura, Burundi.
According to Burundi Red Cross, torrential rains and strong winds caused human and material damage in Bujumbura and surrounding areas on the night of 21 December, 2019.
As of 22 December the provisional damage assessment was 14 fatalities and 33 injured. Around 50 houses were completely destroyed and 40 others severely damaged. Over 130 other homes were flooded and in total around 1,200 people (219 households) were affected.
Burundi Red Cross said heavy rain caused the Cari river to break its banks in the Winterekwa and Nyabagere districts in northern Bujumbura. Houses were inundated and some of them collapsed, causing fatalities. Others died after they were swept away by the raging flood water. Parts of Carama district were also affected.
Burundi Red Cross, in collaboration with civil protection and the local residents are carrying out searches for missing people.
Social Media
#BurundiCatastrophe: A l'aube, 1 petit ruisseau à débordé suite aux fortes pluies à Uwinterekwa (Nord-Est de @MairieBujumbura ): 12 morts, 30 blessés et des dégâts matériels. Le Ministre de @BurundiSecurity au chevet des victimes. Il promet des mesures de protection très bientôt. pic.twitter.com/6AYyGoFPXZ
— Burundi Sécurité (@BurundiSecurity) December 22, 2019
Le bilan provisoire ds dégâts causés pr pluies torrentielles qui se sont abattues sur la ville de Bujumbura et ses environs dans la nuit du 21 décembre 2019 ,s’élève à 14 personnes mortes, 33 blessées et 47 maisons détruites…https://t.co/GrtyPsMDZz pic.twitter.com/J1WRP4U0EO
— CroixRougeBurundi (@croix_rougebdi) December 23, 2019
