DR Congo Takes Charge of Flood Victims’ Burials, Provides Medical Care for Others
According to the government, the flooding in the Congolese capital has hampered access to drinking water in at least 16 communes after water facilities were affected.
Following the devastating consequences of heavy rains that caused the Ndjili River to overflow on Friday and submerge hundreds of buildings in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, the DR Congo government has announced that it will take charge of burying the victims of the floods.
While 30 persons were said to have lost their lives to the flooding, 20 others were said to be in critical condition and over 5,000 houses were destroyed.
According to DR Congo Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Roger Kamba, the government is also currently taking care of the medical and food requirements of over 1,000 persons affected by the floods.
“We have brought kits for taking charge of the present health needs as well as general treatment for the equivalent of 10,000 persons. We have at this level made available water pumps because the first thing that we noticed was the absence of water and we have brought what to feed the persons being taken care of,” the minister told journalists on Monday.
“At Tata Raphael stadium, we have 595 persons but this figure is evolving, thus we are at around 600 at Tata Raphael stadium and around 400 at the level of Lumumba school. It may be perhaps around 1,000 persons who are being taken care of.
“For those in the hospitals, we have 20 persons who are in Vijana and these people are being treated free of charge. Thus, we are not asking for anything from the families towards the treatment of affected persons,” the minister added.
Severe flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo, resulting from heavy rains and the Ndjili River overflowing, has led to the destruction of over 5,000 homes, with 30 fatalities and 20 individuals critically injured.
The flooding has also impacted access to drinking water across 16 communes. The government has pledged to oversee the burial of flood victims and is providing comprehensive support, including medical care and food supplies, for over 1,000 affected residents.
DR Congo's Minister of Public Health, Roger Kamba, stated that health kits and water pumps have been distributed to meet immediate needs. Approximately 600 displaced individuals are at Tata Raphael stadium and around 400 at Lumumba school, with medical care provided at no cost to victims in hospitals. The government emphasizes its commitment to address the health and welfare of those impacted by the disaster.
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