Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 8th Feb. UNICEF and aid partners on Wednesday have responded to devastating floods that have affected 18 of the 26 provinces in Demovratic Republic of Congo.
UN agencies said that flood waters have destroyed or damaged 100,000 houses, 1,325 schools, 267 health facilities and large swathes of agricultural land, left 2 million people, about 60 per cent mostly children in need of assistance.
The disaster hit DRC which was grappling one of the worst the worst cholera outbreak in years.
UNICEF Representative in the DRC Grant Leaity said. “Children in the DRC are facing the worst floods in decades,”
“The rising waters damage their homes and amplify the threat of waterborne diseases, putting them at heightened risk.”
He underlined the need for immediate action to provide safe water, sanitation and healthcare to contain the spread of cholera to prevent the number of cases from reaching unprecedented levels.
UNICEF is providing drinking water, water treatment kits and health supplies to affected areas and is working with local authorities to ensure the continuation of child protection services, such as reuniting separated children with their families and providing mental health support.
UNICEF-supported cholera management teams are on the ground, stepping up prevention measures and providing a first response when cholera cases are suspected, Mr. Leity said.
He added that efforts includes distributing cholera prevention kits, decontaminating homes and communal latrines and setting up hand disinfection stations.
