Islamic Relief has begun assisting people affected by an escalation of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The escalation has resulted in mass displacement and increasing starvation in a country already gripped by a humanitarian disaster.
The United Nations has reported at least 900 deaths in Goma, a large city in the east, as well as the destruction of camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). With over 700,000 people displaced, there is increasingly nowhere safe for them to turn.
The crisis is further increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, malaria, and mpox, with the DRC accounting for 90% of global mpox cases. Reports also indicate a rise in sexual violence and attacks on humanitarian personnel.
Islamic Relief’s emergency response
Islamic Relief is working with local partners to rapidly respond to the situation, providing those in need with food packs and safe drinking water. The local parter in the DRC provides water to 2 IDP camps in Nzulo, north of Goma
With the situation expected to deteriorate further, Islamic Relief will continue to stand with and support the people of the DRC. In the past, IRW has responded to flash floods in the DRC through a 4-month project aimed at strengthening local infrastructure.