Kindu, DR Congo—Heavy rain triggered flash floods in a remote settlement in Maniema province early Tuesday morning. Water surged through the area with little warning. Local officials report multiple deaths as homes were swept away by the sudden torrent.

Residents described a wall of water hitting the settlement before dawn. Many people were caught in their sleep. The flooding destroyed critical infrastructure and washed out main access roads, making it difficult for aid groups to reach the affected site.

Rescue teams from the provincial capital reached the area by midday. They spent the afternoon digging through mud and debris to locate victims. Several families remain unaccounted for as the search continues into the night.

The regional government has declared a state of emergency for the affected district. Local clinics are overwhelmed with patients suffering from injuries caused by collapsing structures. Clean water supplies are currently contaminated by the floodwaters.

Community leaders estimate that hundreds of people have lost their homes. Survivors are gathering in temporary shelters built on higher ground. The risk of waterborne disease remains a major concern for relief agencies working on the ground.

Rainfall has been persistent in the region throughout the week. The ground is saturated, leaving little room for drainage. Meteorologists warn that further precipitation could trigger more landslides in the surrounding hillsides.

Government spokespeople have called for immediate international assistance to help with the recovery efforts. Food and medical supplies are urgently required. The situation remains volatile as water levels in the local river continue to fluctuate.

The search for those missing will resume at sunrise. Authorities are focusing on clearing paths for heavy machinery to help stabilize the area. No official count of the missing has been released yet.