### The precariousness of Kasangulu households: a reflection on humanitarian assistance and community resilience
The drama experienced by eighty-seven-seven-sized households in Kasangulu, victims of torrential rains from April 4 to 5, raises crucial questions about the efficiency of humanitarian assistance and the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters. According to Jacques Khomba, coordinator of civil society in this locality located in the province of Kongo-Central, these families, representing around 270 people, find themselves without shelter and in an increased precarious situation.
### An alarming observation
The first weeks after the disaster, these victims were able to benefit from limited aid, being offered mattresses to improve their temporary living condition at the Mbolula school. However, this assistance proved to be insufficient. Since then, the lack of government aid has been felt, leaving these households in a desperate situation. The absence of adequate health devices also highlights flaws in the institutional response to the crisis.
Such a situation is reminiscent of the importance of preparation in the face of extreme climatic events. Countries with tropical climate, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, amplifying the need for an effective alert and assistance system.
### MEPs: What role in humanitarian assistance?
The coordinator also stressed that the assistance provided by the deputies of Kasangulu is deemed “insignificant”. This observation questions the assistance mechanisms and the responsibility of political leaders towards their constituencies. In a context where public confidence in institutions is often put to the test, one may wonder how to improve coordination between local, regional and national actors to guarantee a faster and effective response during crises.
### In search of sustainable solutions
Faced with this situation, several ways of improvement can be envisaged. First, an increased mobilization of resources at the local and national level could strengthen assistance capacity. It would be wise to explore partnerships with NGOs and international institutions that have experience in disaster management. Such partnerships could make it possible to diversify and solidify the humanitarian aid provided.
Then, an emphasis on education for resilience and disaster prevention within communities could also be beneficial. Training residents in sustainable practices and preparation for emergency situations could allow them to better face events similar in the future.
### The message of civil society
The voice of civil society, carried by figures like Jacques Khomba, is essential in this context. His call for solidarity and continuous vigilance towards victims underlines a collective awareness of these issues. The role of basic organizations can serve as a catalyst to encourage a concerted action between the various actors involved.
### Conclusion
The situation of the victims of Kasangulu calls into question not only the assistance mechanisms in place, but also the political will to act in favor of the most vulnerable. In a country in the grip of many challenges, it is essential that the lessons learned from such crises are implemented to prevent a repetition of past failures.
In the end, only a collaborative approach, which mobilizes human and material resources in a concerted manner, will be able to help improve the lives of these households and strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of climatic vagaries. The victims do not only wait for occasional aid, but aspire to a real change that will take into account their long -term needs.