Burundi experiences heavy rains for most of the year, causing flooding, economic issues, and environmental dislocation, particularly in Bujumbura. These heavy rains lead to numerous fatalities, as local infrastructure struggles to cope with flooding. The government faces criticism for inadequate responses and poor planning, while victims demand better roadways and more resources for disaster management. Increased international aid is sought to address these pressing climate change challenges.
Burundi, located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, experiences heavy rainfall for nine months a year, with the rainy season commencing in September. While necessary for agriculture, this season often brings suffering, panic, and anger among citizens, particularly in Bujumbura, the economic capital. Lives are frequently lost due to flooding from surrounding mountains, resulting in significant environmental displacement and disrupting daily life, including schools and businesses.
The causes of these recurrent tragedies stem from various factors, including unregulated construction, irresponsible deforestation, and a lack of effective strategies to address the climate crisis, which affects Africa despite its low pollution levels. The frequent floods lead to numerous fatalities each year, such as the incident in October 2024 when two children were swept away by rainwater while returning home from school.
Witnesses acknowledge that such tragedies are commonplace during the rainy season, emphasizing governmental neglect. An anonymous local lamented, “Although the authorities know what happens to us every rainy season, they have abandoned us. This rainfall kills, disrupts sleep, and results in environmentally displaced people every rainy season due to their homes flooding” – Global Voices.
Additionally, the heavy rainfall significantly impacts the local economy, especially for truck drivers who depend on accessible roads for their livelihoods. Truck drivers report that their income drops drastically during rainy seasons due to impassable roads, and suppliers face reduced business volume. Nzeyimana Thomas, a materials supplier, remarked, “During severe rainy seasons, our incomes drop dramatically. A truck that makes ten visits in summer only makes five during rainy seasons”.
The Burundian government is constitutionally responsible for effective land-use planning and management of natural resources. Those affected by flooding stress the necessity of demanding effective actions and improvements, such as better roads and robust water infrastructure. Bigirimana Constantin from the Burundi Road Agency acknowledged the extensive damage caused by rain, yet warned of the structural issues stemming from deforestation and poor urban planning, stating, “Urbanization is flawed, the drainage infrastructure is old, and people often dump anything anywhere.”
Confronted with increasing climate-related damages, the Burundian government seeks international aid despite recognizing the overwhelming scale of the issue. Innocent Banigwaninzigo, an environmentalist, asserted that the state alone cannot meet escalating needs or prevent further climate-related disasters, yet emphasized the need for an increased disaster management budget for more effective responses.
Burundi faces severe dangers from the impacts of climate change, particularly during the rainy season, which leads to loss of life, significant economic disruption, and environmental displacement. The government’s failure to address infrastructure inadequacies further exacerbates these challenges. Victims and local authorities call for necessary interventions and greater investment in disaster management to mitigate these pressing issues. Sustainable management of natural resources and effective urban planning are vital to protecting the population from future climate-related disasters.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
