The city of Uvira, in the South Kivu province, is engulfed in a severe humanitarian crisis due to the unprecedented rise in the waters of Lake Tanganyika. The floods, which began months ago, have caused widespread destruction of homes, leaving more than 36,000 people displaced and 3,000 homes submerged.

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The situation, far from improving, continues to deteriorate, exposing the fragility of the most vulnerable communities and the lack of effective responses to climate disasters.

The disaster has not only caused mass displacement but has also created new dangers for the population. The invasion of hippos, whose habitat has been altered by the floods, represents a constant threat to residents who now live in fear of being attacked.

“Hippos hide in the water during the day and come out at night,” says Furaha Nsimire, a resident of Uvira. “With the rising waters, they can attack humans. Our lives are at risk because of these animals. We can no longer grow crops as they destroy everything.”

The loss of homes and crops has plunged the population into despair. Entire families have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded shelters or with other families. Entire neighborhoods remain underwater, with little hope of a return to normalcy in the short term.

The devastation of local agriculture, a vital source of livelihood for many families, further exacerbates the crisis. Farmers along the lake have lost their crops, destroyed by hippos, adding a new blow to their already difficult living conditions. “Farmers in Kalungwe and Kamba Makobola are losing their crops to hippos, which are protected animals in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” explains Kasongo Musimbwa, Environmental Development Supervisor in the Bavira territory. “They grow cassava and sweet potatoes, but the hippos destroy their fields.”

The rise in the level of Lake Tanganyika, an unprecedented phenomenon, has reversed decades of retreat of its waters, highlighting the profound alteration of ecosystems and the devastating impacts of climate change. “Since 1964, Lake Tanganyika has receded by about 150 meters,” explains Kiza Muhato, the mayor of Uvira. “But between 2023 and 2024, the lake has reclaimed its shores. Areas that were once land, including homes, are now completely submerged.”

Analysis:

The crisis in Uvira is yet another manifestation of how climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable communities, which are often the least responsible for the environmental crisis. The lack of adequate infrastructure, the precariousness of housing, and the dependence on subsistence agriculture make these populations particularly susceptible to natural disasters.

The response to this crisis must go beyond immediate humanitarian aid. It is essential to address the root causes of vulnerability, such as social inequality, the lack of investment in infrastructure, and the absence of climate change adaptation policies. It is also necessary to rethink the relationship between humans and nature, promoting development models that are sustainable and respectful of the environment.

The situation in Uvira demands urgent and supportive action from the international community. It is imperative that resources be allocated for humanitarian assistance, the reconstruction of affected communities, and the implementation of measures for prevention and adaptation to climate change. The crisis in Uvira is not just a local problem but a call to global action to build a more just and resilient world.

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