The rainy season in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is characterized by heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and landslides across several part of the country since October 2022. After the severe wave of flooding experienced in Kinshasa and surrounding areas, the rainfall has continued more severely in the North East of the country. From 2 to 5 May 2023, torrential rains fell in the localities of Bushushu, Nyamukubi, Luzira and Chabondo in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This caused the Lukungula, Kabushungu, Kanyunyi and Chishova rivers to burst their banks, resulting in flooding and landslides in Bushushu and Nyamukubi. More than four hundred people have been reported dead from that incident, thousands of people are missing and huge losses in livelihoods, infrastructure and materials were recorded.
On 9th May, the DRC Red Cross assessment revealed that Bushushu and Nyamukubi were the areas most affected by the floods across South Kivu Province from 2nd May. Bushushu and Nyamukubi health areas have experienced shocking floods and landslides. Around 50,000 people were affected and need food assistance in the flood zone (WFP, 12 May), 3,000 houses were destroyed (with 1,200 completely destroyed), the affected people are still in the sites. The needs are huge and the vulnerabilities significant. The damages reported include significant loss of houses, basic household items were also taken by flood, water sources unusable as well as latrines and roads. The DRC Red Cross has deployed initial resources in coordination with movement partners, humanitarian coordination and Government and launched a swift response in hardest-hit heath area, addressing immediate needs and mitigating
Page 2 / 23
further impact with the expected continuation of the rainfall.