IOM Empowering Flood-Displaced Communities in Burundi to Rebuild Their Lives

Gatumba, Burundi – In late 2019, Burundi was struck by devastating flash floods that caused widespread destruction and disruption. The Rusizi River overflowed its banks, affecting numerous communities, including the Gatumba area near the country's economic capital, Bujumbura, and on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The floods destroyed homes, infrastructure, and farmland.

Simon Baravuga and his family were among those whose lives were upended by the floods.

"The floods destroyed our home, leaving us with just one room," Simon recalls.

The situation was dire, forcing Baravuga and his wife whatever remained of the house with their two daughters. The family faced immense difficulties in finding dignified shelter in the aftermath of the disaster.

Simon and his family sought refuge at the Kinyinya 2 site, where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided emergency shelters away from the flooded lands. However, the living conditions in the temporary shelter were far from ideal. The government declared the site as vulnerable to flooding.

In 2023, Simon's family, together with 820 other internally displaced households residing at the Kinyinya 2 site, received rental support as a temporary solution to find housing outside of the displacement site.  This three-month assistance enabled Simon and his family to secure accommodation in an area less prone to flooding, providing a safer alternative to the challenging conditions of temporary shelters.

The announcement of rental support brought a glimmer of hope for Simon and his family. It marked the beginning of their journey towards recovery.

The rented house has become a secure environment where they can rebuild their lives with a renewed sense of purpose.

"With this support, we have the opportunity to start anew, and I remain hopeful for a better future going forward," he said.

"The floods destroyed our home, but they couldn't wash away our hope for a better future."

IOM has assisted more than 24,000 people affected by climate-induced disasters in Burundi. Since 2020, the organization has provided 3,217 emergency and semi-permanent shelters, providing flood-affected populations with a safe place to stay. IOM has also distributed 6,339 non-food item (NFI) kits to affected households, ensuring they have essential supplies.

More than 8,300 households have been provided with rental support which has enabled families like Simon's to secure accommodation in areas less prone to flooding, offering a safer and more stable living environment.

The rental support, however, can only be an interim solution but there is need to work towards finding more durable and permanent solutions for protracted displacement. IOM recognizes that the true path to long-term recovery lies in the construction of resilient, climate-adapted shelters. Constructing these durable shelters comes at a significant cost due to their construction requirements and resilience features. Adequate funding is crucial to achieving these sustainable solutions. 

Through ongoing collaboration with the Government of Burundi and the support of partners, IOM continues to work towards a comprehensive crisis response strategy. This includes actively seeking solutions to address the ongoing needs of affected populations, particularly those in protracted displacement situations who remain vulnerable.

"Though the road to recovery is challenging, we remain determined to rebuild our lives. We understand that it will take time and effort, but we are ready to face the realities ahead. With the support we have received, we believe in our ability to overcome these hardships and create a more stable future for ourselves and our community," Simon concluded.