UNITED NATIONS, Dec 15 (NNN-IRIN) – The loss of life and heavy damage, in the worst floods to hit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), since 2019, deeply saddened UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, his spokesman said, yesterday.
“The secretary-general extends his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as, to the government and people of the DRC,” said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for Guterres. “He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.”
The floods destroyed homes and farmland, schools and other public infrastructure, in the capital, Kinshasa and some provinces, Dujarric said, in a statement.
“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, according to government figures, more than 140 people have lost their lives and more than 38,000 families have been impacted,” the spokesman told reporters, at a regular briefing. “Authorities also report that more than 280 houses were destroyed.”
He said that, a section of the major road linking Kinshasa to the neighbouring Kongo Central Province, a primary provider of food products, collapsed, raising fears of an increase in food prices. The government also warned that, areas risk erosion due to flooding.
Dujarric said, the capital joins a growing list of provinces impacted by floods since Oct. National and provincial authorities are leading the response.
“We ourselves and our partners are in contact with the authorities and are standing by ready to help if asked,” the spokesman added.– NNN-IRIN
