Landslide kills 9 in western Burundi

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least nine people were killed and six others injured after a landslide triggered by heavy rains hit a village in western Burundi, an official said Friday.

The incident occurred in Bujumbura province following heavy rains and storms on Thursday afternoon, Kirama Zone local leader Fulgence Nzosaba told reporters.

According to Nzosaba, the victims lost their lives after their houses collapsed in Rutunda village.

“Seven people died on the spot, one died at Muramvya Hospital, while another body was recovered from the mud on Friday.”

Warning that further deadly incidents could occur amid ongoing torrential rains and poor housing conditions, the local leader urged residents living in high-risk zones to evacuate to safer areas.

He also called on the government to support families affected by the landslide.

Experts say recent and ongoing natural disasters in the region are linked to the worsening climate crisis.

Several African countries, including Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, and Madagascar, have been affected by heavy rains in recent weeks.