The news of September 17, 2023 was marked by a tragedy in Lisala, in the province of Mongala. On the night of September 16 to 17, a landslide occurred, causing the death of seventeen people. Authorities believe there could be other victims under the rubble.
This natural disaster was triggered by heavy rains which fell on the city. The Akula district, located below a hill along the Congo River, was particularly affected. Many houses were submerged, leaving residents helpless in the face of the tragedy.
Witnesses report that the houses were built at the foot of the hill, which contributed to the scale of the landslide. Emergency services are struggling to free the bodies of the victims buried under the rubble. Urgent intervention is necessary, including the use of machines to clear the sand and try to find possible survivors.
The president of civil society in Mongala province, Matthieu Mole, appealed to the authorities to take immediate measures to provide assistance to the victims. It also highlights the need to prevent such disasters in the future by taking adequate preventive measures.
This tragedy highlights the risks linked to extreme weather conditions and urbanization in sensitive areas. It is essential to take preventive and awareness measures to avoid such situations in the future.
Lisala, like many other regions of the world, must face the consequences of climate change, with increasingly frequent episodes of torrential rains. It is therefore imperative to put in place adaptation and mitigation measures to protect populations from natural risks.
In conclusion, this landslide in Lisala is a tragedy that reminds us of the importance of prevention and risk management in times of climate change. It is essential to put in place measures to protect populations exposed to natural threats and to anticipate the consequences of extreme weather phenomena. Solidarity and disaster assistance are also key elements in overcoming these disasters and promoting community resilience.