Torrential rains kill 60 in Burundi capital

At least 60 people have been killed and dozens of others seriously injured in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, after torrential rain swept away hundreds of homes.

A spokesman for the Burundi Red Cross Alexis Manirakiza said on Monday that 60 people perished and 81 others were injured in flooding and landslides caused by ten hours of persistent heavy rains.

“The majority of the victims are children who were unable to resist the heavy flooding caused by the torrential rains,” said Manirakiza.

The spokesman added that the death toll could rise as bodies were being recovered in the mud.

According to police, the death toll was the highest in living memory from a disaster caused by extreme weather.

The heavy rains began battering the capital late February 9 and caused at least 400 houses to collapse. Houses in the poorer parts of the capital are often built from mud bricks, offering no resistance to torrents of water and mud.

Many roads and bridges were also washed away, while power was cut in the whole capital.

“It is the first time in the history of Bujumbura that we have seen damage on this scale,” said Bujumbura mayor Saidi Juma.

The mayor also called for “solidarity on a national and international scale” to help the city cope with the situation.

Burundi authorities said relief missions were underway to provide affected people with shelter and food.

Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama promised food aid to the homeless and said the government would stand for funeral costs and provide new housing.