Economy
Over 100 Lives Lost in Tragic Flooding Catastrophe in the Congo
The devastating aftermath of relentless overnight downpours in South Kivu province, located in eastern Congo, has led to the tragic loss of over a hundred lives due to severe flooding and landslides.
This heart-wrenching news was revealed by a local official on Friday, unveiling the gravity of the situation. Thomas Bakenge, a regional government representative, bore witness to the recovery efforts in the afflicted region of Kalehe, describing the extent of the destruction as unfathomable. Entire houses were mercilessly swept away, leaving behind a landscape of desolation. However, lifeless bodies continue to be retrieved from the shores of the neighboring Lake Kivu, serving as a grim reminder of the catastrophe.
As torrential rains engulfed the area, two rivers burst their banks, triggering a series of devastating landslides that ravaged numerous homes. Delphin Birimbi, a community leader, reported the widespread destruction caused by these natural calamities. Amidst the chaos, residents of the village of Nyamukubi, knee-deep in mud, estimated that more than three-quarters of their homes had been mercilessly carried away by the relentless floods. The deluge spared no mercy, swallowing up not just residences, but also educational institutions and a vital healthcare center.
Thomas Bakenge, the aforementioned official, urgently called upon the international community for immediate assistance, painting a bleak picture of the aftermath. The sheer devastation left nothing in its wake, and the desperate plea for help echoed through the desolated landscape. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, combing through the debris in a race against time, hoping to uncover survivors buried beneath the rubble of what were once cherished homes.
In an official statement released on Friday, the provincial government of South Kivu expressed its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and pledged to dispatch a delegation to the disaster-stricken area. This gesture aimed to provide solace and support during this time of immense grief and suffering.
The heavy rains that have plagued East Africa have brought about untold misery to thousands of individuals. Uganda and Kenya, neighboring countries, have also endured the brunt of the relentless downpours, exacerbating the region’s woes. Meanwhile, in nearby Rwanda, which shares a border with Congo, the tragic consequences of flooding and landslides have resulted in the loss of 129 precious lives earlier this week, compounding the widespread devastation and sorrow.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
