DRC: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing in Pangi Territory, Maniema Province, as of March 20

Disruptions due to severe weather are ongoing in parts of Pangi Territory, Maniema Province, as of March 20. Heavy rainfall and strong winds March 16-17 damaged around one hundred homes and other buildings in the villages of Binumbi and Chabangwa. Authorities have reported at least two fatalities and 27 others were injured amid the severe weather. Strong winds also felled trees which blocked roads in the area. Further isolated thunderstorms are forecast in the region over the coming days and will likely hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts; lingering disruptions are likely in the area.

Further 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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. 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 and landslide damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.