December 27, 2023: In a tragic turn of events, heavy rains have unleashed devastating floods in central Congo, claiming the lives of at least 22 people. Among the victims were 10 members of a single family, highlighting the scale of the disaster that struck the district of Kananga in Kasai Central province.
Governor John Kabeya confirmed the grim toll, noting that the incessant rainfall caused widespread destruction, leveling houses and structures. The collapse of a wall led to the tragic deaths of the family in Bikuku, underscoring the vulnerability of communities to such natural disasters.
Rescue efforts are underway, with authorities working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide relief to those affected. The flooding has also inflicted significant material damage, with reports of extensive destruction emerging from the region.
Nathalie Kambala, the country director of The Hand in Hand for Integral Development NGO, emphasized the urgent need for assistance in the wake of the calamity. The disaster has once again exposed the susceptibility of Congo to flooding, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is lacking.
This latest tragedy comes on the heels of another catastrophe in May, when over 400 people lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains in eastern Congo's South Kivu province. The recurrence of such disasters underscores the pressing need for effective disaster management and infrastructure development in the region.
The floods have also caused damage to critical infrastructure, including the Higher Institute of Technology of Kananga, along with a church and a major road. Governor Kabeya has indicated that urgent action will be sought from the national government to address the immediate needs of the affected communities and to prevent future disasters.
As Congo mourns the loss of lives and assesses the extent of the damage, the focus remains on providing relief and support to those in need. The resilience of the Congolese people in the face of such adversity serves as a testament to their strength and solidarity in times of crisis.