Flooding in Eastern Congo Claims 62 Lives Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Severe flooding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 62 people and left 50 missing. The floods struck Friday morning, impacting villages along Lake Tanganyika, particularly Kasaba. Rescue efforts are challenged by ongoing conflict, and the situation is dire with limited humanitarian response.
In a devastating flood disaster, at least 62 people have died and 50 more are reported missing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragedy unfolded Friday morning near Lake Tanganyika in the South Kivu province. Local officials confirmed that the floodwaters significantly affected the village of Kasaba in the Ngandja sector, all triggered by heavy rainfall that swept through the region.
Witnesses described the terrifying scene as surging waters engulfed their homes, leading to a complete loss of communication. The flooding has raised serious concerns in a region already grappling with a humanitarian crisis, worsened by ongoing armed conflicts. The provincial health minister, Theophile Walulika Muzaliwa, reported that rescue operations are currently facing serious challenges.
Muzaliwa emphasized the difficulties for rescue teams, saying, “Sector chiefs, village chiefs and locality chiefs, who are also members of the local government, are on site. The only humanitarian organization currently present is the Red Cross.” Recovery efforts have proven tough, and it is too early to ascertain the full extent of the destruction, he noted.
Recent months have seen increasing pressure on the country’s infrastructure, significantly affected by the floods. Just weeks prior, heavy rains in Kinshasa have resulted in the deaths of 33 people. South Kivu’s flooding adds to the already strained humanitarian landscape, primarily due to rising violence.
Since February, clashes between government forces and armed groups in the region have intensified. This has created what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, complicating the response to natural disasters on top of ongoing issues. Authorities are urging for more assistance as the community begins to deal with this devastating blow to their safety and livelihood.
The floods in eastern Congo have led to significant loss of life and disruption, with 62 confirmed dead and 50 missing. This disaster adds to an ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by regional conflict. Rescue efforts are hampered, raising urgent calls for aid and support.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
