Floods in Matadi, Kongo-Central: an avoidable tragedy
Rain is essential to life, but sometimes it can turn into a devastating scourge. This is unfortunately what happened in Matadi, in the province of Kongo-Central. On Tuesday, December 3, torrential rain fell on the city, killing six people and injuring seven others. A tragic event that could have been avoided if appropriate measures had been taken in advance.
The mayor of Matadi, Dominique Nkodia Mbete, stressed that the areas of the city not developed by the Belgian settlers were the hardest hit. These areas have seen the emergence of anarchic constructions, without respect for basic urban planning standards. It is regrettable to note that, despite repeated warnings from local authorities, homes have been built in risk areas, thus exposing residents to potential dangers.
It is imperative to take preventive measures to limit the consequences of bad weather. Raising awareness among the population about flood risks and strictly enforcing building codes are crucial steps to prevent future tragedies. In addition, local authorities must invest in efficient drainage infrastructure to allow rainwater to drain away quickly.
Rebuilding after a natural disaster is a daunting task, both materially and psychologically. Bereaved families and injured survivors will need solid support to recover from this ordeal. It is the duty of public authorities to provide adequate assistance to victims and to do everything possible to prevent such events in the future.
In conclusion, the floods in Matadi are the sad result of a combination of factors, including unplanned construction, lack of suitable infrastructure and climate change. Urgent action is needed to protect the population and preserve the environment. The lessons learned from this tragedy must serve as a catalyst for effective and sustainable public policies for natural hazard management. Because, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.