DRC: Tens of thousands displaced by flooding in areas of Ituri Province around Lake Albert as of Nov. 13

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced due to flooding in areas of Ituri Province around Lake Albert as of Nov. 13. Heavy rainfall since early November has led to the lake overflowing; nearly 80 villages along the lake's shore have been submerged, damaging thousands of homes. At least 37,000 people have been displaced and more than 12,000 homes have been destroyed in parts of Mahagi Territory. At least 11,7000 people have been forced to leave their homes in parts of Djugu Territory and around 1,500 families have also been displaced in parts of Irumu Territory. Those in the region who are yet to be affected by the floodwaters have been advised to evacuate in case of further flooding.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in lakeshore communities. 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 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.

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 waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.