Fire in Lubao, Lomami, in October 2024: urgent solidarity with the victims
A devastating disaster struck the peaceful town of Lubao, Lomami, at the beginning of October 2024. The village of Muila, nestled in the heart of the Ngubo group, was the scene of a terrible fire that consumed about ten thatched houses. Last Sunday, while the inhabitants were gathered for their Sunday morning worship, a bushfire suddenly broke out, leaving behind a heavy material and human toll.
The voracious flames gave no quarter, devouring not only the villagers’ modest homes, but also the precious crops stored for the coming season. Peanuts, rice, corn, everything was reduced to ashes in the space of a few minutes, leaving the community helpless and destitute. In addition to food, personal belongings such as clothing, bicycles and other possessions were also engulfed by the flames.
Faced with this tragedy, the affected families now find themselves without shelter, food or personal belongings. Forced to spend the night under the stars, they are launching an urgent appeal to local, provincial and national authorities, as well as to any person of good will, for emergency assistance. Solidarity is now vital for these victims of a cruel and unpredictable fate.
Beyond the individual tragedy, it is collective solidarity that must be demonstrated. The ordeals that the inhabitants of Lubao are going through call for general mobilization, an immediate and coordinated humanitarian response. The authorities must intervene promptly to come to the aid of these devastated families, support them in this ordeal and assist them in their reconstruction.
In these dark times, the ray of light lies in the solidarity of one another. It is by joining forces, our resources and our hearts that we will be able to overcome this ordeal, heal the wounds and give hope to those who have lost everything. It is in these moments of crisis that the strength of our humanity is revealed, the ability to support each other, to rise together.
Today, more than ever, the call for solidarity must resonate, so that the community of Lubao can rebuild, so that smiles can return to the bruised faces, so that life can resume its course despite the pain and loss. Each of us has a role to play, a responsibility to assume, so that solidarity does not remain a simple concept, but that it translates into concrete and caring actions towards our brothers and sisters in distress.
Together, let us take up the challenge of solidarity, repair the damage, dry the tears and rebuild the future. Lubao, Lomami, is counting on us.