Thousands Displaced by DR Congo’s Worst Floods In 60 Years.
By Caroline Ameh
In the wake of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most severe flooding in six decades, thousands have been rendered homeless, prompting a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. Torrential rains have caused the Congo River to swell to its highest level in over 60 years, compelling approximately 500,000 individuals to flee their homes as the waters continue to rise.
Father-of-three, Cyprien Seka, voiced his concerns from a makeshift camp established for those displaced by the floods. Watching his baby nap on the floor of a crowded tent, Seka pondered the safety of returning home amidst the ongoing peril. Like many others, Seka’s family lost nearly all their possessions in the scramble to evacuate.
The dire situation has forced around 2,400 people into a cramped compound, with many enduring nights sleeping on the ground due to the scarcity of space in shared tents. Pansel Moto Pamba, a 55-year-old grandmother, described the conditions as suffocating, emphasizing the challenges faced by the displaced community.
According to Congolese authorities and Médecins Sans Frontières, at least 221 lives have been lost, tens of thousands of homes damaged, and numerous vulnerable communities exposed to heightened risks of diseases such as malaria and typhoid.
Hydrologist Raphaël Tshimanga of the University of Kinshasa highlighted the urgent need for enhanced flood management and response strategies, particularly in the capital region. He emphasized the significant threat posed by deforestation, citing Congo’s alarming rate of tree-cover loss, which ranks second globally after Brazil. Tshimanga explained that deforestation exacerbates flood risks by diminishing the natural capacity of forests to absorb rainwater and mitigate river flows.
With 83 million people residing near major rivers in the Congo basin across central Africa, the potential for future flooding disasters looms large. Tshimanga warned that the current situation may worsen, as analyses suggest an increased likelihood of similar catastrophic events in the future.
