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 REPORT ON ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT TO COMBAT FLOODING CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS AND STRENGTHEN RESILIENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC)

AWARENESS-RAISING REPORT ON FLOOD PREVENTION AND RESPONSE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC) AND MITIGATION MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN RESILIENCE1. Introduction

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is regularly affected by floods caused, among other factors, by heavy rainfall, rising water levels in rivers and streams, rainwater runoff, inadequate drainage systems, and the occupation of high-risk areas.

These natural disasters cause significant human, material, economic, and environmental damage. They can lead to the destruction of homes, roads, schools, and health facilities, as well as the loss of livelihoods of affected populations.

In response to this situation, community awareness-raising is an essential means of reducing risks, improving preparedness, and strengthening people's capacity to cope with floods.

This report presents the awareness-raising activities carried out on flood prevention and response, as well as the main mitigation measures proposed to strengthen the resilience of communities in the DRC.

2. Objectives of the Awareness-Raising ActivitiesOverall Objective

To contribute to reducing the risks and impacts of floods by strengthening knowledge, prevention capacities, and the resilience of exposed populations.

Specific Objectives

• Inform communities about the causes and consequences of floods;

• Raise public awareness of behaviors that can reduce risks;

• Promote the protection and maintenance of drainage and water-discharge systems;

• Encourage land-use planning and sanitation in exposed neighborhoods;

• Strengthen communities' capacity to prepare for and respond rapidly to floods;

• Promote early-warning and evacuation mechanisms;

• Identify measures to protect people, property, and livelihoods.

3. Awareness-Raising Activities Carried Out in Kinshasa, Bukavu, and Kindu

The following activities can be implemented in areas exposed to flooding:

3.1. Community Awareness-Raising

Information sessions are organized at neighborhood, village, and community levels to explain to residents the risks associated with flooding and the measures to be taken before, during, and after a disaster.

The key messages include:

• Prohibiting the disposal of waste in drainage channels and waterways;

• Regular maintenance of drainage channels;

• Identification of high-risk areas;

• Preparation of a family emergency plan;

• Protection of important documents and essential belongings;

• Knowledge of evacuation routes and safe locations;

• Assistance to children, older persons, and persons with reduced mobility.

3.2. Sanitation Campaigns

Community clean-up operations are organized to clear drainage channels, culverts, and water-flow pathways.

These activities help reduce the blockage of drainage structures and facilitate the flow of rainwater.

3.3. Awareness-Raising in Schools

Students and teaching staff are made aware of flood risks and the appropriate behaviors to adopt in emergency situations.

Evacuation drills may also be organized to familiarize students with safety procedures.

3.4. Use of Media and Communication Tools

Messages should be simple, accessible, and adapted to the languages spoken by the communities concerned.

4. Flood Prevention Measures

Prevention measures should be implemented before disasters occur. They include, in particular:

4.1. Improving Sanitation

4.2. Land-Use Planning

It is important, as far as possible, to avoid constructing homes and infrastructure in areas that are particularly exposed to flooding.

Flood-risk mapping should be incorporated into urban and rural planning.

4.3. Environmental Protection

Land degradation and the loss of vegetation cover can increase runoff and erosion. Reforestation, watershed protection, and vegetation restoration can contribute to reducing certain risks.

4.4. Early-Warning Systems

Establishing mechanisms for the rapid receipt and dissemination of meteorological and hydrological information contributes to improving community preparedness.

Local authorities, technical services, and communities should have clear mechanisms for transmitting warnings.

5. Measures to Be Taken Before, During, and After a FloodBefore a Flood

• Identify areas that are likely to be flooded;

• Prepare an emergency kit containing drinking water, food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and essential documents;

• Identify a safe place to go in case of evacuation;

• Clean drainage channels and water-flow pathways;

• Follow information and alerts issued by the relevant authorities;

• Move important belongings to a safe place.

During a Flood

• Evacuate immediately when instructed to do so by the authorities;

• Avoid walking or driving through moving floodwater;

• Stay away from flooded waterways and areas at risk of collapse;

• Do not touch submerged electrical installations;

• Assist vulnerable persons when this can be done safely;

• Follow official information and instructions.

After a Flood

• Do not return to a disaster-affected area until authorized by the authorities;

• Avoid using water whose safety and quality have not been confirmed;

• Report damaged infrastructure;

• Clean and disinfect homes when safety conditions permit;

• Monitor health risks associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation;

• Document the damage to facilitate needs assessments and humanitarian response.

6. Mitigation Measures to Strengthen Resilience

To reduce the vulnerability of populations, several measures can be implemented

7. Expected Results

Implementation of these activities is expected to contribute to:

• Better community understanding of flood risks;

• Improved preventive behaviors;

• Reduced blockage of drainage systems;

• Improved community preparedness;

• Faster response in the event of an alert;

• Reduced loss of life and material damage;

• Better protection of livelihoods;

• Strengthened resilience of exposed households and communities

9. Recommendations

It is recommended to:

• Regularly strengthen awareness among exposed communities;

• Establish and maintain drainage systems;

• Strengthen early-warning systems and the dissemination of information;

• Develop local disaster preparedness and response plans;

• Train community committees in disaster risk management;

• Strengthen sanitation and waste management;

• Integrate disaster risk reduction into local development programs;

• Pay particular attention to the most vulnerable individuals and households;

• Strengthen collaboration among authorities, communities, and technical and humanitarian partners;

• Mobilize resources for prevention rather than limiting interventions to post-disaster response.

10. Conclusion

Flooding represents a significant risk for many communities in the DRC. Reducing its impacts requires an approach combining prevention, awareness-raising, preparedness, rapid response, and recovery.

Regular community awareness-raising, improved sanitation, strengthened drainage systems, the establishment of early-warning mechanisms, and the development of community emergency plans are essential elements for reducing vulnerability.

Strengthening resilience should therefore be considered an ongoing process involving communities, local and national authorities, technical services, humanitarian organizations, and development partners.

Done in Goma, September 30, 2026

Jean Pascal MUGARUKA
National President, OPDGL

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