Congo: Over 210,000 people affected by flooding as of February 29 /update 4

Event

Significant flooding continues to affect northern regions of the Republic of the Congo since Saturday, February 29. Some of the worst affected areas include the Plateaux, Cuvette, Sangha, and Likouala departments. Since February 29, over 213,000 people have been affected and dozens were killed by the floods. Mudslides in the capital Brazzaville forced over 3000 residents to evacuate from their homes in the Ngambio la Base district. Areas of Brazzaville's sixth arrondissement also remain under water, particularly Talangaï.

Additional flooding is expected in the coming days and weeks. Associated transportation, business, and power disruptions are anticipated in the affected areas.

Context

In late November 2019, authorities began humanitarian and recovery operations to impacted communities along the Congo and Oubangui rivers due to high-impact flooding.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rainfall.