The escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries including Burundi and Uganda. Unlike typical evacuation routes, most displaced are reaching Burundi via unofficial paths, often risking dangerous river crossings. Pascasie Kiriza and her children were among those who fled to the Burundian town of Rugombo in this manner. Yet, the long journey did not result in the stable life the family had hoped for. Kiriza said they not only lack basic necessities but also face the threat of cholera and tuberculosis outbreaks. Rugombo has accommodated 68,000 displaced people from the DRC since February. Many have settled in a sports stadium, but with overcrowding and limited access to medical services, there have been at least eight suspected cases of cholera so far. Meanwhile, the ongoing funding crisis has left newly arrived facing food shortages. The UN Refugee Agency noted on Friday that a severe funding shortfall is severely hindering humanitarian efforts in eastern DRC and other regions, leaving thousands without critical assistance while pushing an already dire humanitarian situation closer to disaster. In less than three months, the number of displaced people fleeing from DRC to neighboring countries has surged to more than 100,000. Shotlist: Rugombo Town, Burundi - Recent: 1. Various of displaced people from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); 2. Various of Pascasie Kiriza, displaced from DRC, hanging clothes; Rugombo Town, Burundi - March 19, 2025 3. SOUNDBITE (Local Language) Pascasie Kiriza, displaced from DRC (starting with shot 2): "With the situation deteriorating since mid February, we fled the DRC along with others. We first traversed the jungle from Kamanyola to Katogota, then crossed the Rusizi River and continued walking under the scorching sun. We walked until we were exhausted, ultimately reaching here."; 4. Pascasie Kiriza walking out of shelter; Rugombo Town, Burundi - Recent 5. Various of displaced people at camp; 6. Various of staff members cooking for displaced; 7. Displaced people, tents; Rugombo Town, Burundi - March 19, 2025 8. SOUNDBITE (French) Felix Ndama, official for UNHCR in Burundi (starting with shots 6-7): "The displaced people have overcome countless challenges to reach here, with almost nothing along. They have lost their belongings and even family members. And when they got here, there was insufficient assistance, and they suffered immensely. The situation has become extremely urgent, since no one anticipated that things would get this bad. We have received more than 60,000 displaced people in total, with over 40,000 coming from the west, and some have arrived here through Uvira [a city in the DRC]."; Rugombo Town, Burundi - Recent 9. Various of displaced people, staff members. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]