Burundi Warns of Deadly Floods as Lake Tanganyika Water Levels Rise

Burundi's government is warning of deadly floods and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika, Africa's second-largest lake. The flooding is part of extreme weather conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon affecting East Africa. The rising lake levels have invaded the port of Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, disrupting business in a country that relies heavily on donor support to run government programs.

Heavy rainfall over the past month has caused floods, landslides, and a significant rise in the water level of Lake Tanganyika. The water level surge has led to flooding in communities across 39 hills in 9 provinces of Burundi. The Red Cross has reported casualties and damage due to a landslide that occurred in the Gabirano Hill in Muhuta commune, Rumonge province. "From September to April 7, more than 203,944 people were affected by the disasters, with more than 19,250 homes and 209 classrooms destroyed," said Damien Mama, the U.N. resident coordinator in Burundi.

The flooding has displaced over 98,000 people, a 25% increase in the number of internally displaced persons. Burundi's Interior Minister Martin Niteretse has called for international support to help those affected. "We are calling on our partners to assist us, to help those affected," Niteretse said.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Burundi highlights the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. As one of the world's poorest nations, Burundi faces immense challenges in coping with such disasters, underscoring the urgent need for international support and climate action.

Climate experts attribute the flooding to the El Niño weather phenomenon and the impact of climate change, exacerbated by poor land-use planning. Disaster management expert Jean-Marie Sabushimike said, "The issue is not the rising waters, it is that people should not live in high-risk flood areas." Similar flooding events have also been reported in neighboring Kenya, where 35 people have died since mid-March, affecting over 100,000 people. The Kenyan government has warned residents to avoid flooded highways and move to higher ground.

Key Takeaways

• Burundi faces deadly floods and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika.
• Over 203,944 people affected, 19,250 homes and 209 classrooms destroyed.
• Flooding has displaced over 98,000 people, a 25% increase in IDPs.
• Burundi calls for international support to help those affected by the disaster.
• Flooding linked to El Niño and climate change, exacerbated by poor land use.