Severe Flooding Leaves More Than 2,500 People Homeless in Central DR Congo

Severe flooding has left more than 2,500 households homeless in the central-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo after two major rivers burst their banks, inundating several villages.

Jean-Claude Ngoy, head of civil society in Punia Territory, said heavy rainfall in Maniema Province in recent days caused the Congo River and the Ulindi River to overflow, displacing hundreds of residents in the villages of Kasera, Tubila, and Ulindi.

Speaking to reporters, Ngoy said at least 2,533 households were affected after floodwaters submerged homes and destroyed property. The flooding also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and sources of drinking water.

He called on provincial and national authorities, as well as humanitarian organisations, to provide urgent assistance to affected communities.

Ngoy added that, according to an assessment conducted by local authorities, civil society representatives, and community leaders, residents now face a high risk of severe hunger after food plantations and fish ponds were destroyed by the floods.