Series of landslides hit villages and a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo

A series of landslides hit the Democratic Republic of Congo during the past week.

On May 4, extensive flooding and landslides were reported around Lake Kivu. The villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi have been reported to be destroyed, while Luzira and Chabondo were also affected. The mud flow was severe enough to be seen from space and more than 400 fatalities were caused by the event.

Following, on May 8, another very large landslide occurred at the Songambele mine, near the city of Rubaya in the Masisi Territory. It has been reported so far that about 100 people were present on site when the landslide hit the mine and footage emerged on social media showing the hill sliding downwards. The Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, stated at a press conference on May 8 that at least six people lost their lives in the event.

It is worth mentioning that the Masisi territory was recently hit by another landslide.

#URGENT: Quand l'inondation de Kalehe est en cours. Plusieurs sources locales à Bisunzu, près de Rubaya indiquent qu'un éboulement de terre a touché cette région ce lundi 08 mai. Le bilan n'est pas encore connu mais c'est près d'une dizaine de creuseurs artisanaux. #RDC pic.twitter.com/tmhdZXQ6bc

— Akilimali Saleh Chomachoma (@akilimalisaleh) May 8, 2023