Congo: Floods - Dec 2023

The Republic of Congo is facing severe floods since the past weeks. On 29th December, the Government conveyed an emergency meeting with country partners following the unprecedented increase of the Congo River and its main tributaries. The impact of the floods is significant, with around 189,000 people reported affected on 7th to 320,891 as of 29th December from a statement provided by the Government, with people directly impacted by the floods, subject to displacement and severe losses as a result of this catastrophe. The worst-affected departments are Likouala, Sangha, Cuvette, Plateaux, Niari, Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (heavy rains), with 361 villages and 36 neighborhoods submerged due to the exceptional flooding of the Congo River and its tributaries over the past sixty years.

The impact of the rains to date on the population already far exceeds the number of people affected over the OND period during floods in 2021 (164,679 people - evaluation with the Government) and 2022 (222,000 people). Heavy rains being expected until March, the situation is worrying and the Government called partners for support. The Congolese Red Cross (CRC) as a main partner is mobilized to scale-up the support already engaged in coordination with the Government.

According to experts, the rainfall is twice as heavy as the usual average. The deadly floods and heavy rains continue. According to the same source, the floods caused 17 deaths in the departments of Likouala, Plateaux, Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. 6 people were reported missing in the Likouala and Cuvette departments. In all, more than 2,292 hectares of farmland were flooded. (IFRC, 16 Jan 2024)

Water levels continue to recede in all affected areas. This withdrawal of water increases the need for disinfection and cleaning of flooded structures, in particular schools, health structures and water points. During this period of recession, there is also a risk of increased epidemiological risks and the spread of water-borne diseases which further increase the vulnerability of children and affected communities. (UNICEF, 12 Apr 2024)