The United Nations Office at Geneva
Multimedia Newsroom
Massive floods in DRC’s South Kivu impact 80,000 people, kill dozens
Aid is being rushed to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where deadly flooding has swept away people and homes and affected tens of thousands more, including many displaced by violence, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday.
Announcing assistance measures for South Kivu province in coordination with local partners, UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said that torrential rainfall in Uvira town in recent days had led to heavy flooding of the Mulongwe river, impacting 80,000 people.
“Initial reports suggest more than 25 people have died because of the floods and more than 40 injured with fears of many others swept away by the floodwaters,” he said. “A health clinic in one of Uvira’s poorer neighbourhoods was destroyed and water and sanitation facilities in the overcrowded town were also damaged.”
The UNHCR official added: “We are rushing initial supplies of relief items from its local warehouse in Uvira, including badly needed tarpaulins to provide immediate shelter, as well as mats, kitchen sets, buckets and mosquito nets.”
The aid effort complements support provided by UN peacekeepers in the country, MONUSCO, who have provided initial support to Uvira – home to nearly one million people.
The blue helmets have prioritized rescuing survivors from destroyed houses, providing drinking water and assessing damage to roads and bridges, the UN Mission said in a statement.
“The victims lived in densely populated areas of the town and surrounding villages that are hosting displaced people, including refugees,” Mr Mahecic explained.
With more than 15,000 homes damaged, UNHCR has warned that reports of further devastation “are still coming in from this region, already the hardest hit by years of insecurity and conflict”.
The development comes as residents brace for the expected imminent arrival of the new coronavirus, which has so far claimed 25 lives in DRC.
In its latest update on Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 in the capital, Kinshasa, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 350.
“UNHCR is concerned over the large number of people left homeless by the flooding and exposed to sickness and disease,” said Mr Mahecic. “While no cases of COVID-19 have reached Uvira so far, the risk of cholera has heightened, as it is endemic to the area.”
- Wide shot: exterior, flag alley, Palais des Nations, United Nations Geneva.
- SOUNDBITE (EN) - Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): “Initial reports suggest that more than 25 people have died because of the floods with more than 40 injured with fears of many others swept away by the floodwaters.”
- Medium wide shot: main entrance to UN Geneva, Pregny Gate.
- SOUNDBITE (EN) - Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): “A health clinic in one of Uvira’s poorer neighbourhoods was destroyed and water and sanitation facilities in the overcrowded town are also damaged.”
- Medium shot: broken chair statue, Place des Nations, Geneva.
- SOUNDBITE (EN) - Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): “We are rushing initial supplies of relief items to local warehouses in Uvira, including badly needed shelter materials to provide needed shelter as well as mats, kitchen sets, buckets and mosquito nets.”
- Medium shot: main entrance to UN Geneva, Pregny Gate, panning out.
- SOUNDBITE (EN) - Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): “UNHCR is concerned over the large number of people left homeless by the flooding and exposed to sickness and disease. While no cases of COVID-19 have reached Uvira so far, the risk of cholera has heightened, as it is endemic to this area.”
- Medium shot: anti-war sculpture, Place des Nations, Geneva.
- Wide shot: Lake Geneva, mountains in backdrop, sunshine reflecting on the water, panning out.
Similar Stories
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office on Friday highlighted the worrying situation of migrants in Tunisia and the increase in racist language.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN’s Human Rights Chief has renewed his calls on both parties to the conflict in Sudan to end hostilities, voicing his horror at the situation in El-Fasher in Darfur.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , OHCHR , UNHCR , WHO
Sudan faces horrific violence, famine, and disease, with millions needing humanitarian aid amid conflict.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA
Aid delivery via floating dock starts in Gaza but land routes remain crucial, says UN's OCHA.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office sounds the alarm at the impact on civilians in eastern Ukraine following the latest attacks by Russian armed forces
1
1
1
Edited News | WHO , OHCHR
In Gaza, as more Palestinian casualties of the Israeli military offensive are identified by the enclave’s health authorities, UN humanitarians reiterated on Tuesday that a high proportion of women and children were indeed among the 35,000 dead.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , UNICEF , WHO
UN warns of unprecedented emergency in Gaza due to closed crossings, leading to fuel and aid shortages. Humanitarian operations at risk. Gaza faces famine, malnutrition, and dehydration. Ceasefire needed for aid deliveries.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , OHCHR , UNICEF
Summary: Gaza aid choked off by closure of key southern border crossings, leading to deep concerns about humanitarian operations and potential famine. UN agencies warn of deteriorating conditions and the need for access to essential resources. Israel's actions raise human rights concerns.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
Ravina Shamdasani, UN Human Rights Spokesperson made the following comment on the increased crackdown on journalists in Russia Tuesday at the bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva.
1
1
1
Edited News | UNRWA
Amid reports that some Palestinians have begun to leave Rafah ahead of an anticipated Israeli military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city, UN humanitarians on Monday insisted that they had no intention of quitting the vital aid hub.
1
1
1
Edited News | WHO , OCHA
Summary: UN warns of potential slaughter in Rafah, Gaza, due to Israeli military operation, risking humanitarian disaster and health crisis.
2
1
2
Edited News , Press Conferences | UNRWA
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini will update the press on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.