Torrential rains over the weekend caused horrific flooding in the capital city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The floods have killed at least 120 people and displaced tens of thousands more. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the power of Mother Nature and how little we can do to protect against her fury. In this article, we will explore the devastation caused by these floods, what efforts are being made to help those affected, and how these kinds of events can be prevented in the future.
Kinshasa hit by floods
In the past week, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 30 people have been killed and tens of thousands have been displaced.
The floods have destroyed homes, roads and crops, and left many residents without access to clean water or food. The government has declared a state of emergency and is working to provide relief to those affected.
This is the second time in two years that Kinshasa has been hit by major floods. In 2017, more than 200 people were killed and 1.5 million were displaced.
At least 120 people killed
At least 120 people have been killed and more than 1,000 homes destroyed in floods that have ravaged the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, officials say.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that the death toll from three days of heavy rains was expected to rise.
Some 400,000 people have been affected by the floods, which have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
OCHA said it was working with the Congolese government and other partners to provide emergency assistance to those in need. It urged donors to provide additional funding to help with the relief effort.
Thousands homeless
According to the UN, at least 1,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands left homeless after severe flooding hit the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the floods, which began in early June, had affected more than 1.6 million people in total.
OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke said that the number of people affected was likely to rise as more information became available. “We know that a lot of people have been displaced, a lot of people have lost their homes,” he told reporters in Geneva.
“The rains are expected to continue in many parts of the country over the coming days and weeks, so we expect the numbers to go up.”
Laerke said that aid agencies were working to provide assistance to those affected by the floods, but warned that access was difficult due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing insecurity in parts of the country.
How you can help
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself and your family safe. First, make sure you have an emergency plan in place. Know how you will evacuate if necessary, and where you will go if your home is not safe. Have a supplies kit ready to go, including food, water, and any medications you may need.
Second, stay informed. Check the weather forecast regularly and be aware of any warnings that may be issued. If flooding is likely, pay attention to news reports and monitor conditions so you know when it is safe to return home.
Third, take action to protect your property. If possible, raise furniture and electrical items off the ground. Move valuable items to upper floors if possible. And sandbag around doors and windows if there is time before the floodwaters arrive.
Finally, during and after a flood, be careful. Floodwaters can contain contaminants like sewage or chemical pollutants. Avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible, and wash your hands thoroughly if you do come into contact with it. If your home has been flooded, take care when cleaning up to avoid exposing yourself to harmful substances.
