A devastating landslide and flood occurred on November 8, 2026, in Kaziba, Walungu territory, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, claiming the lives of four members of a family who had been displaced due to conflict. The victims, identified as Pastor Katengeko from the 5th Community of Evangelical Churches of Pentecost in Africa (CELPA), his wife, and their two children, had been taking refuge in a cave in the Ntagereka forest.
According to local civil society sources, the family had fled their home due to clashes that have been escalating in the Walungu territory, particularly in Kaziba and its surroundings, over the past two months. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck their cave, and the floodwaters from the nearby river swept them away. This tragic incident highlights the vulnerability of displaced persons in the region.
Heavy rainfall on November 8, 2026, affected several areas in South Kivu province, including Bukavu, Walungu, and Kabare. In Kaziba, local authorities reported nearly 12,000 households had been displaced and were seeking refuge in various entities. The situation remains dire for many who have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing clashes.
The incident in Kaziba underscores the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many IDPs are forced to live in precarious conditions, often without access to basic necessities, and are exposed to natural disasters such as landslides and floods.
The local civil society has expressed concern over the increasing number of displaced persons and the need for adequate shelter and protection. Efforts by local authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance to IDPs are ongoing, but the situation demands sustained support to address the root causes of displacement and provide relief to those affected.
The Walungu territory has experienced heightened tensions and clashes in recent months, leading to a significant increase in the number of displaced persons. Humanitarian agencies and local leaders are working to respond to the crisis, but the situation remains volatile, and further incidents like the one in Kaziba could occur.
The deaths of Pastor Katengeko, his wife, and their two children serve as a tragic reminder of the human cost of conflict and natural disasters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident has sparked calls for increased support for displaced persons and efforts to address the underlying causes of displacement and vulnerability.
Key points
- Four members of a family displaced due to conflict died in a landslide and flood in Kaziba, Walungu territory, South Kivu province.
- The incident highlights the vulnerability of displaced persons in the region, who often live in precarious conditions without access to basic necessities.
- Ongoing clashes in the Walungu territory have led to a significant increase in the number of displaced persons, with nearly 12,000 households affected in Kaziba alone.
