In the heart of the village of Kiziba, located in the Nyiragongo territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a tragic fire reduced seven houses to ashes, plunging the inhabitants into distress and precariousness. The disaster, of still unknown origin, broke out on a Saturday afternoon, leaving in its wake a feeling of desolation and vulnerability.
Testimonies from residents present at the time of the tragedy describe a terrifying scene, with flames rising into the sky and spreading rapidly, fanned by a strong wind. According to Mrs. Antoinette Bora, a distraught neighbor, the fire started in a kitchen where beans were being prepared. The mismanagement of kitchen fires and negligence seem to be at the root of this tragedy.
Faced with this dramatic situation, the inhabitants of Kiziba are calling for vigilance and caution. They stress the importance of not leaving children unattended during cooking activities, in order to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. The chief of Polepole Avenue, Mr. Bisimwa Ruzuba, calls for solidarity and help from people of good will and the authorities to support the victims and prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future.
It is important to note that this is not the first time that the village of Kiziba has been affected by a fire of this magnitude. Indeed, in the previous August, five houses had already been ravaged by flames, demonstrating the vulnerability of houses built of planks in this region. The proximity of houses is also an aggravating factor during such disasters, making it difficult to protect property and lives.
In conclusion, this fire in the village of Kiziba reminds us of the importance of preventing domestic risks and community mutual aid in the event of a disaster. It highlights the need for increased awareness of good fire safety practices and solidarity with populations affected by such disasters. Together, by remaining vigilant and united, we can help prevent such tragedies and support those who are their victims.