UNICEF at the bedside of climate-affected communities in Burundi.
Thanks to CERF funds and other contributions, UNICEF is supporting people affected by floods and landslides resulting from the heavy rains caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
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In Mubimbi, UNICEF Supports Displaced People Who Fled the Floods in Gatumba
On the morning of June 4th, on the Gisagara hill in the commune of Mubimbi, the sun shone brightly, and the heat was intense. At the top of the hill, makeshift tents had been erected to house families from Gatumba affected by the floods. We approached these shelters, where 792 households had already been accommodated, while UNHCR buses and lorries continued to bring in more displaced people.
We were greeted by the hubbub of a crowd of women, men, and children jostling to collect hygiene kits donated by UNICEF in collaboration with the Burundi Red Cross. At least 365 families will benefit from the kits, which include jerry cans, buckets, soap, reusable sanitary towels for girls and women of childbearing age, drinking cups, aquatabs, and hand-washing devices. It's a breath of relief for these families, who have lost everything.
"This vitally important equipment that I'm receiving relieves me of the difficulty I have in accessing basic services in my daily life at this site," says Léonie Singirankabo, a woman in her sixties who recalls with great sorrow the day she was forced to leave her home, leaving everything behind. "Starting life from scratch is never easy. We salute the support of the humanitarian workers who come to our aid; otherwise, we wouldn't be able to stay here," adds Léonie, regretting nonetheless that several challenges remain. She mentions, in particular, that the youngest children have not yet been able to resume classes because of the distance separating the Matyazo school site, which is supposed to be the nearest.
With the support of UNICEF, the NGO SAD is offering psychosocial and mental health support to more than 3,295 children living on the site through several initiatives, including the organization of recreational areas, the installation of listening points, and individual follow-up.
UNICEF is also ensuring the supply of drinking water, although access is still difficult, as the water is located some 200 meters from the site, in an area that is difficult to access because of the very uneven terrain. To facilitate safe access to toilets, particularly for people living with disabilities and children, UNICEF has also supported the NGO Great at Vision to install 30 mobile latrines, pending the construction of semi-durable latrines by the Burundi Red Cross with funding from UNICEF. "These mobile toilets have been a great help to us, especially those of us who look after the elderly or disabled in our families," says one resident.
In Rumonge, UNICEF Supports Populations Affected by Floods and Landslides
In Gabaniro, where people were affected by a landslide, UNICEF distributed hygiene and sanitation kits to 498 households in collaboration with the Burundi Red Cross. In partnership with the NGO Great at Vision, UNICEF has also supported the installation of mobile latrines, pending the completion of the construction of semi-durable latrines by the Burundi Red Cross, with funding from the Belgian Red Cross. To ensure that the children's well-being is not threatened, UNICEF also supports the NGO SAD in organizing socio-recreational activities and individual support for the affected children.
In the inner courtyard of the Gitaza Technical School, which is now home to 42 families (372 people), a child-friendly space and a listening point have been set up to strengthen psychosocial support and case management for affected children. Parents are delighted, as they can go about their business without worrying about a thing. “When I see my grandchildren having fun with the others, it warms my heart," says Mélanie Bucumi, a mother of over 50 who has accompanied her 2 grandchildren to play in the child-friendly space set up by SAD, with UNICEF support.
At the Mutambara site, 185 households, or 1,330 people, who fled the floods in the localities of Kanyenkoko, Taba, Rumonge Centre, Nyankamba, and Mugara, are being accommodated. UNICEF has supported the NGO COPED in supplying this site with drinking water by extending a water network. This support has been welcomed by the displaced people and the local administration in Rumonge.
UNICEF also supports child protection activities, including psychosocial and mental health support through a child-friendly space and case management, solidarity groups, and prevention of abuse, violence, and exploitation. This psychosocial support is also being offered to pupils at the Rumonge III primary school, who have been affected by the floods or other difficulties in their lives. This enables these children and teenagers to express themselves and receive the support and guidance they need for their fulfillment.
The El Niño phenomenon in Burundi caused torrential rains between September 2023 and April 2024. This caused flooding, landslides, and the overflowing of Lake Tanganyika, affecting more than 200,000 people and forcing almost 50,000 to flee their homes, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
