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.
