Responding to Floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 February 26, 2018

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the flood relief activities of the Episcopal Diocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In January, torrential rains triggered massive flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 45 deaths and affecting over 1,000 families. Rain fell for almost 24 hours, causing two rivers to overflow and destroying over 450 homes, bridges and part of the transportation infrastructure in Kinshasa. The total rainfall exceed the average amount for the entire month. The weather forecasts predict that rains will continue through March.

The Diocese of Kinshasa is providing food, temporary shelter, clothes, blankets, medicine, soap, kitchenware, sheet metal to repair roofs and other emergency items to people impacted by the floods. Clergy are also offering spiritual and pastoral support to affected communities.

“We are extremely grateful to the Diocese of Kinshasa for identifying emergency needs and coordinating with local efforts on the ground,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction at Episcopal Relief & Development.

Donations to the International Disaster Response Fund will help those affected by the floods in DRC and other crises worldwide.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has served as a compassionate response to human suffering in the world. The agency works with more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger and disease through multi-sector programs, using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, it works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities create long-term development strategies and rebuild after disasters.