Almost 400 people have lost their lives after floods and landslides in Kalehe territory of South Kivu Province, DR Congo, on 04 May 2023.
Flooding caused widespread destruction in the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in the Kalehe Territory. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said the villages of Luzira and Chabondo were also affected.
As of 06 May, UN OCHA reported around 1,200 houses were completely destroyed and a further 1,800 damaged, leaving 3,000 households homeless.
According to a statement by local officials on 07 May, the death toll had increased to 394.
UN OCHA said the affected communities are in dire need of assistance. “Immediate needs include supplies to ensure dignified and safe burials, medical care for those affected and injured, food assistance for all affected, and shelter for people who have lost their homes and are living in public places. Ongoing assessments by humanitarian actors will help determine medium and long-term needs,” UN OCHA said.
A day of national mourning will be observed on 08 May 2023, the Government of DR Congo announced.
