The recent floods that struck Kinshasa, following heavy rains and the swelling of the Ndjili River, have highlighted the serious shortcomings in disaster management in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The lack of rescue workers and the Congolese Red Cross’s insufficient equipment contributed to paralyzing the city, underscoring the glaring absence of an effective emergency plan.
A Late and Inadequate Response
Faced with the emergency, the authorities’ reaction was marked by slowness and improvisation.
The army was deployed in the field, a sign of the lack of preparedness of civil services.
Announcements of emergency measures are piling up, but their implementation remains uncertain, perpetuating a cycle of unfulfilled promises.
Makeshift Solutions That Raise Questions
The Ministry of Transportation proposed ONATRA river shuttles to bypass flooded roads, a makeshift solution that raises many questions. What is the capacity of these boats? What are the costs for passengers? Is safety guaranteed? These questions remain unanswered, illustrating the authorities’ lack of preparedness.
A Chronic Lack of Foresight
For more than 30 years, the Congolese state seems to have been content to endure disasters and improvise palliative solutions. This absence of a risk forecasting and management policy exacerbates the consequences of natural disasters, which are recurring with alarming frequency.
Disastrous Consequences
The floods have caused considerable damage: impassable roads, destroyed homes, and affected populations. The Ndjili International Airport has become inaccessible by land, forcing travelers to use river shuttles. The economic and social consequences are disastrous, and the most vulnerable populations are the hardest hit.
A Call to Action
It is urgent that the Congolese authorities become aware of the need to put in place a genuine disaster prevention and management policy. This requires strengthening the Red Cross’s capacities, training rescue workers, developing emergency plans, and investing in resilient infrastructure.
It is time to move away from improvisation and build a future where natural disasters no longer mean chaos and suffering.
Coco Kabwika
