Flood in eastern Congo claims 100 lives, hampers aid efforts
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with the tragic effects of a flood that has already claimed over 100 lives. Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been struck by a catastrophic flood that has resulted in the deaths of over 100 people. Torrential rains that hit the area on Friday caused the Kasaba River to overflow, leading to flooding in the villages surrounding Lake Tanganyika.
Tragic effects of the flood
Samy Kalodji, a representative of the authorities in the Fizi district of South Kivu province, reported that the death toll has exceeded one hundred.
Earlier reports mentioned 62 fatalities. The flood has destroyed many homes, churches, and schools, which were serving as shelters for refugees from the north.
This region is facing not just a natural disaster but also violence stemming from ongoing armed conflicts. The M23 group, supported by Rwanda, controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Towns near Lake Tanganyika have received tens of thousands of refugees, who now have to deal with the aftermath of the flood.
Local authorities emphasize that the lack of mobile communication in some flood-affected areas may delay the delivery of humanitarian aid. This poses an additional challenge in an already difficult situation.
