The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that widespread flooding in the Republic of Congo has left hundreds of thousands of people in urgent need of assistance.
The United Nations agency stated in a press release that unusually heavy rainfall has led to flooding in 9 out of 12 provinces in the country, causing damage to healthcare facilities, schools, and inundating farmlands.
More than 330,000 people have been affected in total.
Lucien Manga, WHO Representative in the Republic of Congo, said the WHO is committed to supporting the government in intensifying the emergency response to save lives and ensure access to critical essential services.
He added that the rainfall represents double the average recorded between 2022 and 2023, and the floods have destroyed or damaged around 34 healthcare facilities, 120 schools, and over 64,000 homes.
The flooding occurred along the banks of the Oubangui River in Congo.
The United Nations warned that it could lead to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, as well as hinder access to healthcare.
Government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla stated that river levels have reached their highest ever and are unlikely to recede shortly.
Since the floods began about two weeks ago, they have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people.
The government announced that it has provided over three million dollars to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.
Follow the latest news on Google News
