At least 26 children were killed and 25 others injured in a fire that broke out in Bukavu, South Kivu of Democratic Republic of the Congo on September 10, according to UNICEF.
The fire affected residential homes and two primary schools in the Furaha and Ujamaa areas. The injured children are receiving medical treatment, while the scale of the damage to homes and school facilities is being assessed.
UNICEF said 11 children who had been separated from their parents during the incident were reunited with their families on September 11. The agency is also providing mental health and psychosocial support to affected children, families and community members.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. No cause has been established so far.
The incident has also disrupted schooling for children in the affected area. UNICEF said it is working with partners to support the continuation of education for students whose schools and homes were affected.
The fire occurred as Bukavu continues to face wider security and humanitarian challenges linked to armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNICEF said the latest incident is adding to the psychological strain faced by children living in an already volatile environment.
The death toll and number of injured could change as authorities continue to assess the situation.
