Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis following the recent flooding that has led to the death of approximately 400 people and displaced thousands. The floods, which were initially triggered by heavy rains, have affected several communities along the Congo River and its tributaries.
According to local authorities, the situation is dire, with many people still unaccounted for and others stranded in their homes without access to food, water, and medical assistance. The death toll has been rising steadily since the floods started, and rescue efforts have been hampered by the inaccessibility of some of the affected areas.
“The situation is catastrophic, and we need urgent assistance from the international community to address the immediate needs of the affected communities,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The floods have destroyed homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, leaving many vulnerable people without shelter and healthcare. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities has further compounded the situation, with fears of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
“The floods have come as a double blow to the people of eastern DRC, who have already been grappling with the effects of armed conflict and displacement,” said Emma Naylor-Ngugi, Oxfam’s Country Director in DRC.
Several aid agencies and organizations have launched emergency response efforts to address the immediate needs of the affected communities. The World Health Organization has provided medical supplies and personnel to support the response efforts, while Oxfam and other relief agencies have provided food and clean water to the affected populations.
However, there is still a need for sustained support from the international community to address the long-term effects of the floods, including the need for affordable shelter, livelihood support, and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
“The impact of the floods will be felt for many years to come, and we need a sustained response from the international community to address the long-term needs of the affected communities,” said Naylor-Ngugi.
The recent floods in eastern DRC have highlighted the need for more investment in disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures to prevent future disasters. Climate change and deforestation have also been identified as contributing factors to the recent floods, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of environmental degradation and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
