In photos: Congo floods kill at least 400
Floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo have killed at least 400 people, according to government officials. The floods have been caused by heavy rains that have lashed the country in recent weeks. The death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available.
The worst affected areas are in the capital Kinshasa, where entire neighbourhoods have been submerged in water. Many people have been forced to flee their homes and are now living in makeshift shelters. Rescue workers are struggling to reach some of the worst affected areas due to the high water levels.
The floods have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. This has made it difficult for aid agencies to reach people in need of assistance.
The Congolese government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has appealed for international assistance. Aid agencies, including the Red Cross, are providing assistance to those affected by the floods.
The situation in Congo is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on vulnerable communities. With climate change causing more extreme weather events, it is likely that we will see more such disasters in the future.
As the world works to mitigate the impact of climate change, it is important that we also focus on helping those who are most vulnerable to its effects. This includes providing assistance to those affected by natural disasters like the Congo floods, as well as taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.