The natural disaster that struck the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in South Kivu province claimed the lives of more than 430 people and left thousands of Congolese homeless.
According to information relayed by the official government report, it is a natural disaster caused by massive deforestation resulting from agricultural operations and the search for firewood. This intensive human activity has left the tops of the mountains of Bushushu and Nyamukubi unprotected, exposed to the natural elements. The thinning of the forest has therefore weakened the soil, creating the floods that have swept away the villages.
Faced with the emergency, the Council of Ministers took immediate measures by recommending the relocation of the local populations of Bushushu and Nyamukubi to the transitional site of Luena and the permanent installation in the plantations of Katashola, Sangano, Iwisié, Kashabana. The owners must be negotiated for an expensive acquisition of these lands.
The reconstruction of the Bukavu-Goma national road is considered vital for the two provinces. The construction of decent and resilient housing, as well as the updating of the strategy for the fight against natural disasters were recommended by the government delegation. They also intend to relaunch the reforestation program in the mountains of South Kivu.
This disaster occurs a few years after another similar disaster in Rambira, which leaves thousands of Congolese in a catastrophic situation, and contributes to the deterioration of humanitarian and health conditions in this part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Such natural disasters should be taken seriously, as they show the importance of nature conservation. In a world where human actions have serious consequences on the environment, policies must be implemented to safeguard natural resources and develop a sustainable economy.