After suffering significant flooding in the capital city Kinshasa in April, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced another devastating flood event. In the early hours of 10 May torrential rain triggered flooding in the Fizi territory of South Kivu province which is located in the east of the country,
The Bieka River overflowed, devastating Kasaba village along Lake Tanganyika’s shore. At this stage, it is being reported that 109 people have died, including at least 50 children, with entire families reported missing. More than 150 homes were destroyed with significant livestock losses as well.
South Kivu provincial health minister Theophile Walulika Muzaliwa speaking by phone to Arab News commented that search and rescue efforts were severely hindered.
“Sector chiefs, village chiefs and locality chiefs, who are also members of the local government, are on site. The only humanitarian organization currently present is the Red Cross. It is not possible to give an assessment as body searches are continuing,” said Muzaliwa.
