More than 100 people have died following devastating floods in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with children and the elderly among the hardest hit. The disaster occurred overnight between Thursday and Friday in Kasaba village, South Kivu province, after torrential rains caused the Kasaba River to overflow, sweeping away homes and infrastructure.

Local officials reported that at least 104 people were confirmed dead, 28 injured, and approximately 150 homes destroyed. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication lines, with the Red Cross being the primary humanitarian organization currently on the ground.

This tragedy underscores the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, exacerbated by deforestation and inadequate infrastructure. In 2023, similar floods in the same province claimed over 400 lives. The DRC continues to grapple with overlapping humanitarian crises, including ongoing conflict and mass displacement, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.

Source: ALJAZEERA