A devastating flood has killed more than 100 people in Kasaba, a remote village in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, after torrential rains caused the Kasaba River to overflow its banks overnight.

The disaster, which struck between Thursday and Friday, demolished dozens of homes and left widespread destruction.

Local authorities report at least 104 confirmed deaths, with 28 injuries and approximately 150 homes destroyed. Rescue teams and villagers have recovered as many as 119 bodies, with many victims being children and elderly residents caught asleep during the surge. The floodwaters, carrying boulders, trees, and mud, tore through the lakeside community with immense force.

Regional administrator Sammy Kalonji called the damage “enormous,” highlighting the severe human and material toll. Kasaba’s isolation along Lake Tanganyika, accessible only by water and without internet, has hindered rescue and communication efforts.

Floods and landslides are frequent in eastern DRC, worsened by deforestation and poor infrastructure, leaving communities vulnerable. This tragedy follows a 2023 flood in South Kivu that killed over 400 people, underscoring the need for better environmental protections and disaster preparedness.

Relief operations are underway, but access challenges persist. Authorities are urgently requesting national and international aid to assist the displaced and support recovery efforts. (ILKHA)