DR Congo: Fungurume Under Water: A Dual-Risk Crisis Requiring a Rapid, Child-Centred Response
On the night of Sunday, 1 February 2026, at around 11 p.m., heavy rainfall struck the commune of Fungurume in Lualaba Province, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within hours, water levels rose rapidly, reaching more than one metre high in some areas. Caught off guard in their sleep, many families had little time to react. The sudden onset of the flooding significantly increased the risks faced by children, older people, and households living in fragile housing conditions.
A rapid assessment conducted from 1 to 3 February by the Disaster Prevention, Management and Risk Reduction Committee (CDPP) of the Fungurume Area Programme confirmed the scale of the damage. The neighbourhoods of Dipeta, Kelangile and Mwela Mpande, covering nine cells, were identified as the most affected. Floodwaters inundated low-lying homes, damaged roads and submerged sanitation facilities, making certain areas difficult to access at a time when humanitarian needs were escalating.
In total, 511 households – representing 3,249 people – have been affected. Dipeta recorded the highest number of impacted families, followed by Kelangile and Mwela Mpande. Among those affected are 68 registered children (RC), including 27 girls.
Most displacement has been localised, with families seeking refuge with relatives or neighbours. While community solidarity plays a vital role, this arrangement quickly leads to overcrowding and increased pressure on water, sanitation, essential household items, and child protection mechanisms.
The situation is particularly concerning given the already fragile public health context. A cholera outbreak has been declared in the area since 9 January 2026. At the time of the assessment, 80 suspected cases had been reported, of which 71 were confirmed. Flooded latrines, contaminated water sources, and disrupted access to healthcare services have created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of waterborne diseases. Two health centres, IMARA and UZIMA, were inundated, temporarily limiting their capacity to provide care. In addition, stagnant water is expected to increase mosquito breeding, raising the risk of malaria, particularly among young children and pregnant women.
The flooding has also affected education and livelihoods. Eight schools, four primary and four secondary, were inundated, disrupting learning and exposing children to an increased risk of dropping out. Economically, affected households report the suspension or disruption of income-generating activities, restricted movement, and rising pressure on local markets for certain essential goods.
In response to this dual crisis of flooding and cholera, World Vision is consolidating a child-centred emergency response and mobilising resources to act swiftly.
The proposed intervention focuses on four key priorities: ensuring continuity of education through catch-up classes, school kits and temporary learning spaces; strengthening health and WASH interventions through awareness-raising, cholera prevention, water chlorination, handwashing facilities and hygiene kits; providing emergency shelter and essential household items, including tarpaulins and appropriate materials; and reinforcing child protection mechanisms, including complaint systems, community-based structures, case management and violence prevention.
Although floodwaters may gradually recede in some areas of Fungurume, the crisis is likely to evolve rather than disappear. The immediate priority is to prevent a “second wave” marked by rising cases of waterborne diseases, malaria, school dropout, and heightened protection risks. Rapid mobilisation of emergency funding and strong coordination among partners will be essential to ensure an equitable and effective response, prioritising the most vulnerable children and families.