Hectares of fields belonging to farmers in the villages along the Congo River have been submerged due to the rising waters of the river in the territories of Punia and Kailo, in the province of Maniema, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to Kautumoli Malengela, a local farmer, the fields containing various crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and others along the Congo River and the Ulindu River in the villages of Kowe, Pembeliba, Molombela, and Elila have been destroyed by the floodwaters, forcing the inhabitants to abandon their homes and seek refuge deep in the forest.
This catastrophe has not only led to the destruction of the main source of income for the locals for the education of their children but has also caused a situation of famine, as rice and cassava are essential foods in the region.
The recurring floods caused by the rising waters of the Congo River and all the rivers in this region have significantly reduced agricultural production in the northern part of the province of Maniema, which is affected by overflowing watercourses during heavy rains.
Unfortunately, local authorities have not yet communicated about the situation or the measures taken to assist the affected population, leaving the people in a precarious situation.
The socio-economic impacts of the floods in the territories of Punia and Kailo, in the province of Maniema, are significant, ranging from the destruction of fields and houses to the displacement of populations, the breakdown of basic infrastructure, and the disruption of socio-economic activities.
Faced with this critical situation, the affected populations often find themselves with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare, requiring urgent intervention from local authorities and humanitarian organizations.
It is imperative that preventive measures be taken to reduce the impact of floods on riparian populations, including the construction of embankments and dams, raising awareness about flood risks among the population, and the establishment of emergency response plans.
