Photo : Kasereka Moise, EPA
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Kasereka Moise, EPA
IN BRIEF
By Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha
Democratic Republic of Congo: Heavy floods kill 60 people
On 5 January, Africanews reported heavy floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Congo River overflowing and affecting the Equateur region after hitting Ituri, Mongala and Kinshasa. Over 100 homes have been destroyed in Mbandaka region and at least 60 people have died across the country as of 28 December. The government has declared a state of emergency and allocated USD four million for humanitarian aid. (“DR Congo experiencing worst flooding in 60 years,” Africanews, 5 January 2024)
Somalia: Indian Navy rescues hijacked ship
On 5 January, BBC Africa reported that the Indian Navy rescued crew members of a ship hijacked by pirates on the Somali coast. The commandos rescued all 21 crew members, however, did not find the pirates on board. The ship, MV Lila Norfolk, with the Liberian flag was on its way to Bahrain. Out of 21 crew members, 15 were Indians. An emergency signal was received at the UK Marine Agency (UKMTO) of an armed pirate attack. Based on information from UKMTO, the Indian Navy with Indian patrol aircraft followed by the guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai, carried out the rescue operation. (“Indian navy rescues sailors on board a ship attacked by pirates off Somali coast,” BBC, 5 January 2024)