South Kivu faces fires and flooding in Kabare and Kalehe

The South Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing multiple environmental crises. In the Kabare territory, a violent fire broke out in the Kabungo sub-village near Panzi on Friday morning, destroying more than ten homes. To prevent the flames from spreading, three additional houses had to be demolished. While no fatalities were reported, the fire has caused significant loss of property for local families. This incident follows a series of recent fires in the Mudusa grouping, including the destruction of houses and churches in early September.

Simultaneously, heavy rains have struck the Kalehe territory, specifically affecting the villages of Bushushu, Kabushungu, and Rambira. The flooding has damaged homes, agricultural fields, and a local health center in Bushushu. The rising waters of the Lukungula River have also created dangerous conditions for residents, particularly students attempting to reach schools such as EP Mukowa, Institut Kanyugi, and EP Kanyunyi.

Local civil society groups are calling for urgent humanitarian assistance, including the provision of shelter and essential goods, as well as the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and the construction of safe crossings over the Lukungula River.