OCHA Situation Report
Burundi
26 December 2006 - 21 January 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Activities and Updates

Torrential rains: Following torrential rains which affected areas of
Gatumba, Rubirizi and Maramvya in Mutimbuzi, Kanyosha and Kabezi
communes (Bujumbura Rural) as well as Kanyosha in Bujumbura Mairie,
several houses were reportedly flooded. Around 6,000 persons were
temporarily displaced when their houses were flooded and they sought
refuge in churches and schools. As of 18 January, affected households
were assisted with food, Non Food Items, healthcare and water and
sanitation. Relief aid was provided by the Government of Burundi through
the Ministry of National Solidarity, the Ministry of Health, WFP,
Burundi Red Cross Society, IRC and GVC. With support from International
Red Cross Committee (ICRC), Burundi Red Cross sprayed disinfectant in
flooded areas in order to prevent further epidemic outbreaks. On 5
January the Burundian Government set up a national solidarity fund to
support families affected by floods in seven provinces: Gitega,
Cibitoke, Ruyigi, Cankuzo, Bubanza, Muramvya and Karuzi following heavy
torrential rains which were reported nationwide in late December 2006.

Food security: FAO/Emergency and Coordination Unit, OCHA, WFP and OFDA
completed a three-day (19-21 December) evaluation mission to assess the
situation in Gitega and Ngozi provinces after reports of damage caused
by torrential rains on crop harvest for agricultural season 2006C
throughout the country. Marshland crops which represent the most
significant yield were the most affected. Beans, maize, sorghum, rice,
potatoes and vegetables were all submerged in water. It is estimated
that for agricultural season C ? which represents bout 15% of annual
production, crop harvest will subsequently be reduced by 50%. Bean crop
which is one of the main food stuff for households was destroyed at
about 80% in low lands. The mission recommended to actors involved in
the food security sector to closely follow the evolution of food
insecurity nationwide. Increase in the quantity of seeds and seed
protection rations during season B 2007 should be envisaged. Admissions
in feeding services will also require close follow-up. On the market
place, crop prices have started to rise as an immediate consequence of
the lack or shortfall of basic crops. Coping mechanisms adopted by the
population/families include providing labor in order to earn money in
provinces deemed less affected, having one meal per day instead of three
as well as consuming seeds initially intended for agricultural season
2007B.

Update on Burundians Expelled from Tanzania: Since the beginning of
2007, as of 18 January the Governmental project for reintegration of
war-affected persons (PARESI) had registered 290 Burundians expelled
from Tanzania at Kinazi transit site (Muyinga). Arrivals continued to be
reported in Cankuzo province where the construction of a temporary
transit site in Munzenze (Mishiha commune) is almost completed. The
expelled persons are gradually being transferred to their collines of
origin except for those who have no address. The latter were reported at
the communal centres of Mishiha and Kigamba. The opening of the transit
site would help address this issue and also prevent fraudulent cases.

Health: Further to an increase in reported cases of meningitis in Gitega
province throughout 2006, the Ministry of Health supported by WHO
conducted a five-day (9-13 January) vaccination campaign in Mutaho and
Bugenda communes. A total of 145,000 persons were targeted for this
vaccination campaign.

Repatriation: Since the beginning of 2007, UNHCR has registered a total
of 1,226 Burundian returnees including 6 who arrived spontaneously.
Compared to the same period in 2006, the rate of returns is lower due to
food insecurity. It should be noted that recent heavy rains hampered the
repatriation operation as roads were damaged at several points.

Coordination, Protection and Security

Coordination: After the recent torrential rains which flooded several
areas in Mutimbuzi commune (Bujumbura Rural), OCHA organized a joint
visit including WFP, and FAO on 15 January. On the same day UNICEF
convened a meeting gathering Burundi Red Cross, ICRC, UNICEF, IRC and
Solidarites to further discuss immediate humanitarian assistance. OCHA
has organized a follow-up mission to Gatumba which is one of the most
affected areas. On the whole, the situation is gradually coming back to
normal after four days without rains. However households continue to
spend the night outside their houses which are still too wet to be slept
in. A slight increase in waterborne diseases was noted but no confirmed
case of cholera has been reported yet. As for nutrition, according to
GVC, the trend of increase in admissions which was noted since October
2006 is inherent to the precarious food security situation due to poor
crop harvests from the agricultural season 2007A.

Provincial Coordination: Ruyigi "focal point" meeting was held on 19
January under the chairmanship of the Governor. Participants including
national and international NGOs, United Nations agencies operating in
the province, discussed the prevailing food security situation and
assistance provided by partners as well as achievements/needs/plans in
several other sectors: habitat, education and environment.

During Bujumbura Rural meeting held on 18 January, participants
discussed the impact of torrential rains.

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