Recession of the Congo River, floods and humanitarian consequences
Since January 11, 2024, President Félix Tshisekedi has confirmed the start of the recession of the Congo River, thus putting an end to a period of flooding which caused numerous damages in several provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the Head of State stressed the need to remain vigilant in the face of health risks in areas affected by flooding.
The consequences of the floods are considerable. Lives were lost, fields were devastated, roads were cut, homes were flooded and landslides were reported. The most affected provinces include Kinshasa, Tshopo, Mongala, Kongo central, Equateur, Mai-Ndombe, Sud and Nord Ubangi, Kasai, Kasai central, Sud-Kivu, Lomami, Tshuapa and Kwilu.
Faced with this situation, President Tshisekedi called for responsibility in the subdivision process and the construction of resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change. He stressed the need for holistic care of those affected and promised careful monitoring of the situation.
The damage caused to crops is also significant in certain regions, with significant consequences on the daily lives of local populations. Cassava, corn, peanuts, bananas and vegetables were particularly affected. At the same time, the floods caused road cuts and homes were submerged.
To respond to the consequences of the floods, the province of Équateur approved an emergency plan worth 23 million US dollars. However, experts, such as Raphaël Tshimanga Muamba, director of the regional water school and professor at the University of Kinshasa, emphasize the need to put in place a national flood alert plan in order to limit the damage. caused by the flooding of the Congo River.
In conclusion, the receding of the Congo River is a relief, but attention and measures must remain in place to deal with the humanitarian consequences of the floods. The commitment of President Tshisekedi and the Congolese government to care for those affected and to promote more responsible management of natural disasters is crucial to rebuilding the communities affected by these tragic events.