The Dipeta River has overflowed again in the neighborhood of the same name in the rural commune of Fungurume in the Lubudi territory at around 100 kilometers (62.000miles). Septic tanks have emptied due to the floodwaters, threatening the health of the local population.

Several houses have been flooded in this commune following heavy rains that fell on this part of Lualaba province, according to consistent reports from residents.

The sudden flooding of the river, combined with the lack of adequate drainage in a rapidly expanding urban area, has turned the streets into torrents of muddy water.

Residents describe an alarming situation. Rainwater mixed with river water flooded homes and plots of land, destroying property and supplies. Several families say they spent the night evacuating their personal belongings to prevent them from being swept away by the floodwaters.

Beyond the material damage, the health threat is of particular concern to residents. The overflowing of septic tanks has caused fecal matter to rise to the surface, raising fears of the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly among children and vulnerable people.

Victims also denounce the ineffectiveness of previous solutions implemented by provincial authorities, believing that they have failed to prevent further flooding.

This latest episode is not an isolated one. On Thursday 5 February, another overflow was reported in the same neighborhood. The Governor dispatched several provincial ministers, including those responsible for land affairs, health, social affairs and infrastructure, to assess the damage.

More than 600 households were gathered in a single reception center with the support of the provincial government. Despite these measures, residents say that the rains continue to devastate their homes, raising fears that the situation will repeat itself every time there is heavy rainfall.

Written by Noé Kalemeko