The opening of the Inga dam gates, in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), might affect neighboring regionsof Angola, especially in the municipality of Nóqui, province of Zaire, revealed, yesterday, in Mbanza Kongo, the coordinator of the Provincial Civil Protection Commission, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho
The provincial governor also expressed concern regarding this situation, explaining that they might occur in the event of an overflow of the Zaire River, where this largest hydroelectric dam in the DRC is located. The information was provided at the meeting of the aforementioned Commission, in which its members were informed that the National Institute of Meteorology (INAMET) predicts, for the next few days, torrential rains that led it to declare an “Orange” alert for the region.
On the occasion, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho asked the Municipal Administrations to closely monitor the situation in the neighboring country and the increase in the volume of rain in the respective districts. The Zaire Provincial Civil Protection Commission advised, yesterday, in Mbanza Kongo, the reinforcement of the stock of basic food products and the acquisition of civil construction material (sheets) and tents, given the forecast of more torrential rains in the region for next days.
The guidelines issued aim to deal with possible house collapses as a result of rain and other situations caused by natural calamities, according to Angop. The provincial governor, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho, explained, during the meeting, that INAMET predicts above-average atmospheric loads, a situation that might cause incalculable material and human damage.
He explained that the municipalities targeted are Tomboco, Soyo and Mbanza Kongo, which have already recorded heavy rainfall in recent days, which is why he highlighted the need to take some preventive measures. In turn, the provincial commander of the Civil Protection and Fire Service (SPCB), fire commissioner Daniel Janeiro Fernandes, informed that there is a generalized contingency plan, to respond to possible disasters and identify possible risks, also containing measures to counter possible situations of calamities.
He defended the need to create logistical resources supply centers in the six municipalities of the province, to respond immediately to possible emergencies. Among the means of supply, he listed kits of basic necessities, population resettlement and household utensils.
Daniel Janeiro Fernandes reported that, during the month of last November, the institution he heads recorded the flooding of 347 houses and the destruction of 25 others, in the municipalities of Soyo, Nzeto and Tomboco as a result of the rains, leaving 375 families homeless, totaling 1,875 people.
