The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has grown increasingly dire, as devastating floods in South Kivu province compound the impact of ongoing armed conflict and a surge in disease outbreaks. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), overnight flooding in Fizi territory between May 8 and 9 has claimed the lives of more than 60 people, with dozens more still missing.
Local authorities report that over 150 homes were destroyed, leaving approximately 1,000 individuals homeless. The authorities have issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance amid warnings of continued heavy rainfall that could result in further destruction.
“The floods have exacerbated already severe vulnerabilities in the region, where violent clashes and a recent spike in cholera cases are straining the limited public health infrastructure,” OCHA stated. In response, an emergency coordination meeting was convened in Uvira to streamline relief operations.
Meanwhile, in North Kivu province, violence persists. Reports confirm that nine civilians were killed and over 50 injured during an overnight attack in Lubero territory between May 7 and 8. In Ituri province, humanitarian partners estimate that more than 40,000 people arrived in the Fataki and Rety areas of Djugu territory between February and April, fleeing violence or returning to their homes after previous displacement.
The influx is placing immense pressure on already overstretched services, impacting over 155,000 people. Humanitarian actors report acute needs across all sectors, including shelter, food, healthcare, and clean water.
Despite significant access challenges and funding shortfalls, the United Nations and its partners continue to mobilize emergency assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that the cholera risk remains high, particularly in regions suffering from conflict, displacement, and climate-related disasters such as floods. The organization stresses the importance of strengthening surveillance, improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, promoting community awareness, and expanding access to treatment and vaccines to curb the spread of cholera.
The convergence of conflict, disease, and climate-induced disasters underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, well-funded humanitarian response to support the millions of Congolese affected across the eastern provinces.
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