Over 60 Dead, Dozens Missing After Floods Hit Village Near Lake Tanganyika in Eastern DRC

At least 62 people have lost their lives and dozens more are missing after powerful floods swept through a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the early hours of Friday, May 9, 2025. The disaster occurred in Kasaba, a small community in the Ngandja sector of South Kivu province, located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The flooding followed a night of intense rainfall, which began around 5 a.m. and quickly overwhelmed the village. Torrents of water washed away homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction in a region already struggling with years of instability and humanitarian crises.

According to Théophile Walulika Muzaliwa, the provincial health minister for South Kivu, 62 bodies have been recovered so far, while at least 50 people remain unaccounted for. Many survivors have been left homeless and traumatized, and the true scale of the disaster may not be known for days.

Access to the affected areas remains difficult. Roads have been damaged or cut off entirely, and communication networks are down, severely limiting the ability of emergency services to reach victims. Local authorities and Red Cross teams are currently leading rescue and relief efforts, but resources are limited.

“This is a tragic situation. Families have been wiped out, and survivors are in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical care,” said Muzaliwa. “We are appealing to the national government and international partners to provide immediate support.”

Flooding and landslides are becoming increasingly common in eastern DRC due to deforestation, poor infrastructure, and the impact of climate change. This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for investment in disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable communities.

Humanitarian agencies have begun mobilizing, but response efforts are expected to face significant challenges due to the region’s ongoing conflict and displacement issues.

As search and rescue operations continue, officials are urging citizens in nearby areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures. Relief efforts are ongoing, and donations and support are being coordinated by both governmental and international humanitarian organizations.