In April 2023, the town of Uvira in the South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo experienced floods, leaving the community in distress and exacerbating the already challenging living conditions. The Community Support Center (CSC-Asbl), committed to providing vital support to vulnerable populations, immediately mobilized to assist those affected by the disaster.
The 2023 floods exacerbated the precarious living conditions for people living in Kitundu Displaced Persons Camp. In the aftermath of those floods, CSC-Asbl visited Kitundu Camp, one of the smaller displacement camps in the region. The stories we heard from the residents were heartbreaking and underscored the urgent need for intervention. Every time it rains, Kitundu Camp floods, forcing the residents to stand all night long, holding their children on their backs to keep them safe from the rising waters. The floods make it nearly impossible to cook food, as cooking fires are extinguished, and the already scarce food supplies are further threatened by the damp conditions.
The health risks associated with the flooding are severe. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for diseases, compounding the already dire health situation in the camp. Children, in particular, are vulnerable, facing extreme food insecurity and the threat of waterborne illnesses.
Community Support Center’s Response
In response to this crisis, CSC-Asbl our team is collaborating with local leaders and residents to develop strategies for flood mitigation, eliminate food insecurity and work with local authorities to help solve the dire situation in Kitundu Camp.
1. Flood Mitigation:
Bamboo trees can divert flood waters. We have plans to plant bamboo trees in strategic locations to divert flood waters away from the camp..Temporary shelters are in tatters and will need to be replaced. Long term plans include replacing the temporary shelters with suitable permanent housing.
2. Eliminate Food Insecurity:
CSC-Asbl is working to provide regular breakfast, snacks and water to the children of the camp. The children will be able to fight infection when they receive the correct nutritional foods. We are working to improve sanitation facilities in the camp to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. CSC-Asbl will teach agriculture to the women of Kitundu Camp so they can farm an adjoining piece of land. Providing their own food will go a long way towards eliminating food insecurity. CSC-Asbl is teaching the women of Kitundu Camp entrepreneurial skills. This will bring much needed money into the camp and allow the women to provide food and clothes for the children.
3. Trauma Support:
Establish P4PM Clubs to engage the children, provide a safe place for them to have fun and participate in community activities and establish trust so that CSC-Asbl can provide therapy services to the children.
Despite the immense challenges, the resilience and strength of the residents of Kitundu Camp is truly inspiring. The Community Support Center is dedicated to supporting Kitundu Camp, and others like it, not only through immediate relief efforts but also by working towards sustainable, long-term solutions that will enhance their well-being and resilience against future disasters.
How You Can Help
The flooding crisis in Uvira and Kitundu Camp highlights the urgent need for support and solidarity. Here are ways you can contribute:
- Donate: Your financial contributions can make a significant impact in providing emergency relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts.
- Volunteer: Join our team and help us on the ground with our various initiatives.
- Advocate: Raise awareness about the situation in Eastern DRC and advocate for policies that support disaster-prone communities.Together, we can help the residents of Uvira and Kitundu Camp rebuild their lives and create a safer, more resilient future. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission of “Healing Hearts, Building Futures.”