**Fatshimetrie: Tragedy on Lake Albert**
The Ituri region, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of a maritime tragedy on May 15, with the sinking of a boat on Lake Albert. The consequences were dramatic, with the death of at least 20 people, victims of drowning. In addition to these lives lost, more than five tonnes of goods from Uganda were swallowed up by the waters of the lake.
Local authorities, notably the Civil Protection service in Ituri, reacted quickly to try to explain the causes of this shipwreck. According to the coordinator of this service, Robert Ndjalonga, the violent winds which have been raging since April on Lake Albert are the cause of this disaster. This meteorological change has impacted not only lake transport but also fishing activities which take place with a high level of risk.
To stop such tragedies in the future, Robert Ndjalonga called for caution and responsibility from all those who operate on Lake Albert. He stressed the importance of wearing life jackets, an essential safety measure to save lives in the event of an accident. In addition, he recommended that owners of motorized canoes maintain their boats in good condition to prevent further shipwrecks.
The call made by the Ituri authorities is clear: safety must be an absolute priority for all those involved in transport and fishing on Lake Albert. Following safety precautions, maintaining equipment in good condition, and reducing activities during hazardous weather conditions are crucial actions to prevent further tragedies.
In conclusion, this disaster on Lake Albert reminds us of the fragility of human life in the face of nature and underlines the importance of taking adequate measures to prevent such accidents in the future. It is essential that everyone takes responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all those who rely on Lake Albert for their daily activities.