Floods and landslides are affecting thousands of households in the east of the country.

• Since April 2023, floods and landslides in more than 10 provinces have affected́ thousands of people who have lost their livelihoods. In Kalehe territory, more than 500 people died, with around 3,000 houses destroyed, and more than 300 hectares of fields devastated and livestock washed away. These natural disasters could reduce agricultural participation for the upcoming agricultural season, and reduce food access for affected households in the short to medium term.

• The persisting insecurity in the east of the country caused an estimated 1.4 million new displaced persons at the end of agricultural Season B. Despite the deployment of EAC forces, which reduced the intensity of the violence and encouraged the timid return of displaced populations, isolated attacks involving the M23 and Mai-Mai armed groups continued in North Kivu.  This situation is jeopardizing return movements and contributing to a drop in agricultural participation by households.

• In April 2023, prices of key commodities such as maize flour, beans and vegetable oil show variations of 70 percent and 45 percent respectively compared with the five-year average and the same period the previous year on markets monitored in the east. With the instability of the local currency, the prices of these products could continue to rise, affecting poor households' access to food.

• The harvest is ongoing across most northern and eastern areas of the country. Despite the relative improvement in household stocks at the end of the harvest, consumption deficits will persist in conflict zones, mainly in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with households remaining in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). In some health zones in Djugu and Rutshuru territories, those most affected by the conflict, the population facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes will likely increase. The south-central and southeastern regions, mainly Maniema, Sud-Kivu and ex-Katanga have production sufficient to cover the minimum food needs of the population, and are facing Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes, while the other relatively calm areas are in Minimal (IPC Phase 1). These are the provinces of Haut-Uele, Bas-Uélé, Tshopo and part of Maniema.

Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Democratic Republic of Congo. Key Messages: Floods and landslides are affecting thousands of households in the east of the country. 2023.