The Republic of Congo has declared a state of humanitarian emergency in response to devastating floods caused by continuous heavy rains over the past month. The government has also allocated an emergency fund of approximately $4 million to provide aid to the victims and address the extensive damage caused by flooding in various departments.
While civil society has welcomed the government’s decision, individuals on the ground are urgently seeking tangible actions to address the crisis. Many areas have experienced erosion and significant damage due to the persistent rainfall.
Flood victims express concern about the erosions expanding rapidly, with one resident stating, “This year, to illustrate, the erosions were barely where you see the pipes, so from November, here we are on January 02, so barely 2 months of rain, the erosions are already at 150 metres.” The local population is calling for swift intervention, highlighting the loss of lives and the urgent need for support.
Throughout the country, more than 360 villages and 36 districts have been flooded, affecting over 320,000 people. Tragically, at least 17 people have lost their lives, and six individuals are still missing. Urban planners are alarmed by the magnitude of the disaster and emphasise the importance of collective responsibility.
With meteorologists predicting continued rains in the coming months, people are doing their best to mitigate the risk of landslides. However, the situation remains urgent, and concerted efforts are required to manage the aftermath of the floods and prevent further loss of life and property.
