Relentless rainfall in recent days has led to significant flooding in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. Numerous residences are submerged in various areas of the city, and landslides triggered by the heavy rains have swept away several homes. In response to this catastrophe, the government has taken decisive action.
The Congo River, which borders Brazzaville, is experiencing an unprecedented rise, surpassing its usual boundaries. Sandbanks and rocks are submerged in certain areas, causing concern among the residents in the southern neighborhoods of the city.
“We are in the water. Along with many families, we are all immersed. Our feet are in the water, and we can’t do anything anymore,” laments a father.
“As for the houses, most of them are flooded. We are living in difficult conditions. Here in my room, everything has been damaged by the water. We can’t even watch the news on television anymore,” complains another head of the family.
Further north in the city, in neighborhoods like Don Bosco and Trois Poteaux, landslides caused by the rainfall have carried away residential homes and even tombs in an old cemetery. The inhabitants of these areas vacillate between despair and fear.
“Even if there are epidemics in Brazzaville, we live with them. There are garbage piles here and there. We are in a state of ‘what to do,'” expresses a desperate man.
“It’s a state of despair. The houses are gone. We are in a practically devastated neighborhood. We are left to fend for ourselves,” adds another resident.
Local NGOs have called on public authorities to assist the flood-affected populations. In response, the government, during its final Cabinet meeting of 2023, announced the allocation of 2.4 billion CFA francs to aid the victims.
As Brazzaville grapples with the aftermath of these severe floods, the community’s resilience is tested, and collaborative efforts between government and non-governmental organizations become imperative to mitigate the impact on the affected populace.