Congo, DRC: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of both countries as of Jan. 17

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Congo and the DRC as of Jan. 17. Heavy rainfall across the region in recent weeks has led to rising levels in the Congo River and its tributaries and triggered widespread flooding and associated disruptions. The Congo River has reached its highest level since 1961.

In Congo, nine out of the country's twelve departments have been affected by flooding; Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette, Plateaux, Niari, Pointe-Noire, and Brazzaville have been the worst affected. Authorities have reported at least 17 fatalities across Likouala, Plateaux, Brazzaville, and Pointe-Noire departments and six others are missing in Likouala and Cuvette departments. Nearly 321,000 people have been affected across the impacted departments, including around 5,000 displaced people. Around 450 homes have been destroyed and around 475 damaged.

In the DRC, flooding has affected 15 out of the country's 26 provinces, with Equateur and Kinshasa the worst affected. At least 300 fatalities have been reported and more than 304,000 families have been affected across the impacted areas. Around 43,750 houses, thousands of other buildings, and dozens of roads have been damaged by the flooding. The government of the DRC has declared a hydrological and ecological catastrophe due to the flood situation.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of the region in the coming days and further downpours are likely during the remainder of the rainy season through May. Additional heavy rainfall may trigger further flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

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.

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.