DRC: Further disruptions due to flooding and landslides likely in eastern regions as response operations continue as of May 12 /update 2

Event

Further disruptions are likely in eastern regions of the DRC as response operations continue following flooding and landslides in the region as of May 12. Parts of South Kivu Province have been worst affected after heavy rainfall May 4-5 caused rivers to overflow near the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in Kalehe Territory, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure. As of May 12, the death toll from the floods is at least 438 according to local authorities, with more than 5,000 still missing; casualty numbers will likely to continue to rise in the coming days. Scores of others have been injured and around 20,000 people have been affected by the flooding. More than 3,000 homes have been impacted, of which 1,200 have been destroyed. Many roads and other infrastructure in the region have also been damaged by the flooding.

Disruptions following severe weather are also ongoing across parts of North Kivu as of May 12. A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall overnight May 9-10 in North Kivu Province's Lubero Territory resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Another landslide at an artisanal mine in Songambele near the town of Rubaya May 8 caused at least six fatalities.

Further isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the region through at least May 17. Further heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.