Heavy Rainfall Triggers Deadly Landslide in DR Congo’s North Kivu Province, Leaving 19 Dead and Several Injured

On Sunday, April 2, 2023, heavy rainfall in the north-eastern region of DR Congo caused a devastating landslide that resulted in the loss of 19 lives and injured several others in the Bulwa village, located in the Masisi territory of southern North Kivu Province. The affected region is already grappling with a fragile security situation due to ongoing conflicts and displacement of civilians. The current disaster has exacerbated the situation, leaving the community reeling with grief and despair.

Moreover, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days as more heavy rains are forecasted to hit the region, including the already affected North Kivu Province. The rainfall also caused the suspension of road transport that links Uvira city to Bukavu in South Kivu province. This has left many commuters stranded, further compounding the challenges in the region.

Sadly, the current disaster is not an isolated incident in DR Congo. In December 2022, heavy rains struck the capital city of Kinshasa, causing the worst flooding in years that led to the loss of 169 lives. The torrential rains caused sinkholes, landslides, and flooded entire neighborhoods, devastating the city’s infrastructure and leaving residents in dire straits.

In the wake of the current disaster, search and rescue efforts are underway to find more victims of the landslide. However, the challenging terrain and inadequate resources are hampering the efforts of the rescue teams. The affected community is also in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, water, and medical supplies.

The recurring incidents of natural disasters in DR Congo, exacerbated by poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems, call for urgent action from the government and the international community. There is a need for the provision of necessary resources and support to mitigate the impact of the disasters and prevent future occurrences. It is vital to prioritize the safety and well-being of the affected communities and to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild their lives.