Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 01-05-2026 What happened, where and when? On 7 April 2026, persistent heavy rainfall caused the Congo River to overflow its banks, resulting in severe flooding in Kindu City, Maniema Province. The communes of Alunguli, Kasuku and Mikelenge were among the most affected. The floods damaged and destroyed houses, contaminated water sources and sanitation facilities, disrupted livelihoods and displaced thousands of people. Approximately 62, 000 people were affected, with more than 10, 000 households impacted and over 10, 416 people displaced, mainly seeking refuge with host families. The floods also affected agricultural fields, fishponds, local businesses, roads, schools and health infrastructure, increasing public health, protection and livelihood risks. A few weeks later, on 1 May 2026, the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province was severely affected by heavy and persistent rainfall and the overflow of the Kalimabenge River, particularly in the densely populated and flood-prone neighbourhoods of Namianda and Kilibula in Kalundu commune. Rapid multisectoral assessments conducted between 1 and 5 May identied approximately 7, 776 aected people (1, 555 households). A total of 544 houses were damaged, including 13 completely destroyed and 172 partially destroyed, while at least 1, 110 people were displaced and hosted by relatives or neighbouring families. Six deaths were also reported. The floods damaged or affected water and sanitation facilities, health structures, schools, roads, bridges, agricultural gardens and small businesses. The two successive flooding events generated significant humanitarian needs across Maniema and South Kivu, particularly in shelter and household items, safe water and sanitation, health, protection and livelihoods. In response, the initial DREF operation launched following the Kindu oods was subsequently scaled up to include Uvira and other aected areas of South Kivu. The operation now targets 15, 600 people (2, 250 households), including 1, 400 households in Kindu and 850 households in Uvira and other affected areas of South Kivu, through integrated interventions covering Health, WASH, Shelter/AME, Multipurpose Cash Assistance, PGI and CEA. Following the floods that affected Kindu, Maniema, and Uvira, South Kivu, the DREF response has progressed from the initial emergency phase towards the delivery of essential assistance to affected households. In Uvira, the distribution of essential household items (AME) to the 850 targeted households has been completed. In Kindu, due to access challenges caused by poor road conditions, the Red Cross is currently receiving the essential household items (EHI), with distribution to the targeted households planned for the week of 28 September. At present, affected households in both locations continue to face challenges related to damaged or destroyed Houses, access to safe water and sanitation, and displacement, including families staying with host households or living in precarious conditions. The remaining response activities therefore focus on nalizing the pending assistance in Kindu and completing the planned activities.
DR Congo: Democratic Republic of Congo Flood 2026 – DREF Operational Update (MDRCD050), 16 October 2026
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