News: Floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo, more precisely in Kinshasa, Mongala, Equateur, Ituri, has been facing a critical situation since the end of December 2023. The level of the Congo River has reached alarming proportions, reaching 6.05 meters according to data from the Régie Riverways (RVF). To put this situation in perspective, it is important to note that the last flood of this magnitude was in 1961, when the river reached 6.26 meters above mean sea level.
These floods were mentioned by Pope Francis during his speech after the Angelus prayer on January 7, 2024. The head of the Catholic Church expressed his compassion towards the populations of the Democratic Republic of Congo affected by these floods. He stressed that many rivers, including the Congo River, overflowed in several provinces of the country, causing the loss of 300 people, the destruction of more than 43,000 houses, 1,325 schools, health centers, markets. and impassable roads. As a result, 300,000 households are currently affected, exposed to risks of water-borne diseases and epidemics, according to Vatican News.
The Régie des Voies Fluviales (RVF) had already issued a warning concerning the exceptional rise in the waters of the Congo River and its tributaries at the end of December 2023. It called on the authorities and the population to take all necessary measures to deal with these floods, which affect not only the Kinshasa region, but also many other provinces.
Following a meeting of the council of ministers on December 28, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the issue of floods and landslides affecting some cities in the country was at the center of the government’s concerns. The relevant ministers have been tasked with taking measures to help families affected by these natural disasters.
These floods and their disastrous consequences are a reminder of the challenges that the Congolese people must face. It is essential that emergency measures are put in place to protect the population, ensure their assistance and prevent diseases and epidemics linked to these precarious living conditions.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is constantly evolving and it is important to follow the news to be informed of developments and actions taken to manage this crisis. It is essential that the international community provides adequate support and assistance to the Congolese population in these difficult times.