Severe Flooding in Eastern Congo Displaces Hundreds of Thousands
Recent heavy rains in eastern Congo have triggered devastating floods, affecting more than 470,000 people, reports the World Food Program (WFP). The overflowing rivers and lakes have wreaked havoc on communities, destroying vital crops, blocking transportation routes, and displacing villagers from their homes. Climate change is identified as a major factor exacerbating the situation.
According to a farmer interviewed by the WFP, the floods have left him struggling to feed his family of six after wiping out his crops. Many families now find themselves living in temporary shelters, grappling with the aftermath of the inundation.
The WFP highlights the dire consequences of the flooding, emphasizing the increased vulnerability to diseases among affected populations. With limited access to clean water, families are forced to use contaminated sources for daily activities, heightening the risk of cholera and other waterborne illnesses. Additionally, some farmers are seeking refuge with their livestock, further compounding health hazards.
Despite the urgent need for assistance, the WFP acknowledges a lack of resources to adequately respond to the crisis in the flooded areas.
This catastrophe adds to the toll of extreme weather events across Africa. In Kenya, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in 257 fatalities and displacing 55,000 people, as announced by the government on Wednesday.
