Over 60 die in eastern DRC flooding amid cholera, continued fighting

13/5/2025 7:13

Amid fighting and disease, deadly floods posed additional dire challenges in South Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UN humanitarians said on Monday.



"Local authorities in South Kivu report that overnight flooding in Fizi territory between May 8-9 killed more than 60 people," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "Many people are still missing, and search efforts continue. More than 150 houses were also destroyed, leaving 1,000 people homeless."



The office said the officials warn that continued heavy rainfall threatens further damage and have issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance. The deluge worsens existing vulnerabilities, where ongoing clashes and a recent surge in cholera cases heighten the risk of a major public health crisis.



OCHA said local authorities convened an emergency meeting in Uvira to coordinate response efforts.