Deadly floods in South Kivu: Doctors of the World provides psychological support

Doctors of the World is in the area of ​​Kalehe, affected by the floods, to provide psychological support to those affected.

MORE THAN 400 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES

Following the heavy rains that fell on the night of Thursday 4 to Friday 5 May in the territory of Kalehe, in South Kivu (East of the Democratic Republic of Congo), floods and landslides claimed the lives of more than 422 people. According to provincial authorities, hundreds of people are still missing, and nearly 20,000 people could be affected by the disaster. 3,000 houses were also damaged.

ASSESSMENT OF VICTIMS’ NEEDS

Doctors of the World, which has been working in South Kivu since 2015, took part in a joint assessment mission coordinated by OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), in conjunction with other humanitarian organizations, in the territory of Kalehe. At least 50,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity is a growing risk that has been further exacerbated by the floods that damaged crops. Potable water is also becoming increasingly difficult to find. An estimated 70% of local water supply infrastructure has been destroyed, exposing them at greater risk of water-borne diseases. 

“A member of our team was sent to Kalehe territory and identified the medical needs of the victims of the disaster. The Kalehe area is endemic to cholera. In addition, the poor living conditions linked to the floods increase the risk of diseases (diarrhea, skin infections, etc.). We must intervene as soon as possible”, comments David Montano Inturias, health coordinator for Doctors of the World in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED

Following the evaluation, it appeared that many people were traumatized. “Some of them have lost everything: their loved ones, their home, their animals. The children are crying for their parents. The people affected urgently need therapeutic support” adds David Montano Inturias. Our organization will therefore provide psychological support to the victims from the beginning of June.

THOUSANDS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED

According to OCHA, the Kalehe health zone already hosts 107,000 internally displaced people, particularly from North Kivu, which has been experiencing conflict and climate disasters. These recent floods risk further aggravating their deplorable living conditions.

Photographs

© Gali Ngelele