The recent floods in Dima Lumbu, Bandundu, have plunged the region into a devastating humanitarian crisis. A week after the disaster, the victims found themselves without assistance and living in precarious conditions. The non-profit Community of Friends of Nature and Culture (CANACU) has warned of the critical situation in which more than 450 households affected by the floods find themselves.
On the ground, the findings are alarming. All hygienic facilities were washed away, forcing residents to use stagnant water for their daily needs. Critical infrastructure such as borehole pumps, health centers, schools and even maternity hospitals have been severely damaged, leaving the population without recourse. Schools now serve as a refuge for the victims, who had to abandon their destroyed homes.
The coordinator of CANACU, Damien Bungu, denounces the lack of response from the authorities to this crisis. He highlights the lack of concrete intervention to help the affected populations, forced to flee to the town of Bandundu in search of temporary shelter. The precarious living conditions and the lack of medical and food assistance endanger the health and safety of the victims, who are left to their own devices.
Faced with this dramatic situation, the Community of Young Leaders is calling for the mobilization of local elected officials to urgently respond to the needs of the disaster victims. The material damage is considerable, with dozens of houses, schools, churches and health centers destroyed by the waters. More than 800 people are directly affected by this disaster, and their despair is palpable.
It is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to assist affected populations, rebuild damaged infrastructure and prevent further disasters. The solidarity and commitment of all are necessary to overcome this humanitarian crisis and allow those affected to return to a dignified and secure life.