ReliefWeb

Flooding caused by heavy rain affected the east provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular South Kivu, on 16-17 April 2020. At least 36 people died, and 42 others were injured. According to the UN, more than 77,000 people have been displaced, and are in need for shelter. Initial estimations report approximately 3,500 destroyed houses, 15,000 damaged houses, 7 damaged or collapsed bridges. Several areas in the cities of Bukavu and Uvira have been flooded, after the overflow of Mulongwe river. Various humanitarian partner organisations are assisting with search and rescue operations. Heavy rain is forecast over east and south DRC for the coming days (20-22 April). (ECHO, 20 Apr 2020)

Initial reports suggest more than 25 people have died because of the floods and more than 40 injured with fears of many others swept away by the flood waters. A health clinic in one of Uvira’s poorer neighbourhoods was destroyed and water and sanitation facilities in the overcrowded town were also damaged. UNHCR is rushing initial supplies of relief items from its local warehouse in Uvira, including badly needed tarpaulins to provide immediate shelter, as well as mats, kitchen sets, buckets and mosquito nets. (UNHCR, 21 Apr 2020)

Floods continue to affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the end of April, causing significant material damage ... In South Kivu, nearly 37,000 people are displaced, at least 7,220 houses have been destroyed, and more than 86,000 people have been affected, particularly in Ulvira City. In Maniema, recent floods have destroyed hundreds of houses, leaving more than 750 people displaced, bringing to least 27,500 the total number of people affected. The current flooding events increase the risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases, such as cholera. Moderate to locally heavy rain is forecast over most of DRC on 14-15 May. (ECHO, 14 May 2020)