A powerful storm, combining heavy rain, violent winds, and hail, struck Gashikanwa
Commune in Ngozi Province, northern Burundi, earlier this week, leaving thousands of
households in despair. Local authorities estimate that nearly 10,000 households have been
affected, with many now pleading for assistance.
The storm hit several hills, including Gatukuza, Rutanga, Maruri, and Cihonda, damaging
homes, crops, and public infrastructure. Victims, like Violette Nduwayo from Maruri Hill,
lamented the destruction of their fields, particularly bean crops that were on the brink of
harvest.
“Our fields have been completely destroyed by hail. We need government support to
survive,” said Nduwayo.
Christine Munezero, a mother of five, shared the dire situation her family is now facing after
losing their home. “The heavy rain has left us homeless. We were already struggling, and
now our living conditions are unbearable. We urgently need sheet metals to rebuild before
more rain comes,” she appealed.
Authorities report that the storm also damaged five classrooms, forcing students to alternate
classes in the remaining undamaged rooms. Bosco Ndayishimiye, the executive secretary of
Gashikanwa Commune, urged the population to consider planting crops resistant to heavy
rains to mitigate the risk of famine.
He further reported that about 12 hectares of banana plantations and other crops were
destroyed, compounding the agricultural losses.
The storm adds to the financial struggles already plaguing many Burundians, as the rising
cost of living continues to make daily life increasingly challenging. Calls for immediate aid
have grown louder as victims face worsening conditions in the ongoing rainy season.
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