At least 100 people have died following severe flooding in the Fizi territory of South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The flooding, which occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday, was triggered by intense rainfall that caused widespread destruction in the locality of Kasaba, according to a statement released by the provincial government on Sunday. The torrential rains led to flash floods that swept through the region, destroying an estimated 150 homes.
Many of the structures affected were built from mud and other vulnerable materials, which collapsed under the force of the water. The disaster has left hundreds of families without shelter, with local authorities reporting continued difficulty in accessing several affected areas due to damaged infrastructure and blocked roads. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the area, but officials warned that ongoing heavy rains are hampering relief operations. The provincial government has launched a provisional assessment of damages and casualties, while additional resources are being mobilized to support displaced residents.
Search and rescue efforts continue as authorities fear the death toll could rise in the coming days. In addition to the immediate loss of life and property, the floods have heightened health concerns in the region. Officials reported a growing risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, as well as respiratory infections due to overcrowding in temporary shelters. Malnutrition is also a concern, with the flooding disrupting local food supplies and access to clean drinking water.
The provincial government has called on national and international humanitarian organizations for urgent assistance. Medical supplies, clean water, food, and temporary shelter are among the most critical needs identified. Local health centers, already under strain, are operating with limited staff and medical equipment. The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo frequently experiences extreme weather events, with climate change cited by experts as a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and severity of such disasters.
Seasonal rains in the region have become more intense in recent years, often resulting in flash floods and landslides in densely populated or poorly constructed settlements. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to relocate where possible, although many families remain unable to do so due to economic hardship. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with weather forecasts indicating further rainfall in the coming days. Efforts to restore basic services and provide aid to survivors are expected to intensify as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer. – By MENA Newswire News Desk