Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bumba (Agenzia Fides)- The consequences of climate change are ever more serious in Africa. After Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea now the eastern regions of Democratic Congo are being devastated by torrential rains and floods. The local news agency DIA, said at least 3,600 people in the north eastern town of Bumba have had to leave their homes because of floods.
Homes were dragged away or submerged by the swelling waters. Local health authorities reported that at least one person, a child, was drowned, and that many people isolated in the town are now sheltering in pirogues, the typical local flat-hulled boats.
As they wait for the waters to recede, the people are concerned for damage to rice fields which would provoke a food crisis. A committee has been formed to assess the situation, needs and intervention. The committee members include personnel of various international organisations, World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the provincial medical office. International and local health experts fear an increase in cases of malaria and other diseases.
The death toll due to floods in East Africa was even heavier: at least 114 dead and over 500,000 homeless in Kenya in the past six weeks, particularly in the east and north east.
The Red Cross in Kenya has made an urgent appeal for 21.9 million dollars for emergency aid, food, medicines and basic necessities.
In Somalia (see Fides 12 December 2006) several hundreds died in the floods and 1.5 million were left homeless and destitute. Paradoxically these same areas, particularly the triangle Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia, suffered from severe drought in June and July, which caused thousands of deaths and decimated herds. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2006 righe 30 parole 344)
