Overflowing waters in Isangi, Tshopo: villages flooded, churches destroyed, children exposed to diseases.
The Isangi region, located in the territory of Tshopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a tragic situation due to the overflowing of the waters of the Lomami River and the Congo River. More than 20,000 households are affected by these devastating floods, leading to the destruction of entire villages and the disruption of daily life.
According to the Isangi Health Zone report, 18 villages were submerged by water, leaving behind considerable damage. Churches were destroyed and more than 2,000 latrines were swept away by the floods. In addition, roads are closed, making travel even more difficult for residents of the region.
In addition to the material damage, the health situation is also worrying. Indeed, more than 3,000 children under the age of 5 are exposed to different types of diseases, due to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions resulting from the floods. Older people living in difficult conditions are also affected, with more than 1,000 identified in the report.
The administrator of the Isangi territory, Jérôme Walala, describes the consequences of these floods. The administrative building is now underwater and the local market has been moved. Faced with this critical situation, local civil society is calling for humanitarian aid from the government and humanitarian actors in order to support the affected populations.
It is essential that urgent action is taken to protect the health and well-being of the people of Isangi. Humanitarian assistance, in the form of medical supplies, food assistance and logistical support, is crucial to meet immediate needs and prevent a deterioration of the situation.
It is also important to put in place long-term measures to prevent such disasters in the future. Improving drainage infrastructure, raising awareness about environmental protection and setting up early warning systems are all measures that can help reduce the risks associated with flooding.
In conclusion, the floods in Isangi have caused considerable devastation, affecting the lives of thousands of people. A rapid and coordinated response is needed to provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations and put in place preventive measures to avoid such disasters in the future.