Amid devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Governor Christian Kitungwa of Tanganyika province took a hands-on approach to crisis response, personally navigating the flooded streets to assess the damage and support affected families.
Heavy rains caused rivers to overflow overnight, washing away entire villages and claiming the lives of more than 100 people, according to local authorities. The disaster unfolded in the midst of ongoing conflict and mass displacement, adding to the suffering of communities already in distress.
Determined to witness the destruction firsthand, Kitungwa trudged through waist-deep waters in Kalemie, one of the hardest-hit towns, accompanied by local officials. His rain-soaked clothes and mud-caked boots bore testament to the grim reality on the ground.
During his visit, Kitungwa made an emotional discovery—a baby trapped inside a collapsed structure. Without hesitation, he reached into the wreckage, and with the assistance of his aides, carefully carried the infant to safety. Tearful villagers looked on in admiration, praising him as a rare and compassionate leader.
Though reports have surfaced about the child’s fate, there has been no independent confirmation regarding claims that the infant had died.
Following the rescue, Kitungwa reaffirmed his government’s solidarity with the victims, stressing the urgency of a coordinated emergency response to provide relief and rebuild communities.