Torrential rain that fell on most of Bunyakiri, in Kalehe territory, on the night of Sunday 17 August caused the death of at least eleven people and extensive material damage. The provisional toll was presented on Monday 18 August by the local authorities. The victims are seeking help in vain.

According to initial reports from the scene, at least 11 people have lost their lives and there has been extensive material damage.

In a press release, civil society offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assures the people of Bunyakiri of its moral support at this difficult time. It points out that this tragedy has occurred in a context already marked by the consequences of the M23 war, which makes the humanitarian situation even more worrying.

We share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones, and we call on the Congolese government and humanitarian partners to intervene urgently to help the victims, both in terms of humanitarian aid and disaster risk prevention”, said the President of the Forces Vives civil society organization in Kalehe, Prince Chiririmbo.

The organization is also calling on the authorities to step up measures to protect and assist local communities, so that such tragedies do not continue to plunge the people of Kalehe into mourning.

Located some 70 kilometers north of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, the territory of Kalehe is regularly hit by natural disasters, due to its geographical location with steep slopes and abundant rainfall.

Almost 48 hours after the floods, aid is still slow to reach those affected. The local authorities are calling on the provincial and central governments to intervene quickly to clear the roads and help the families affected.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma