Responding Inclusively to Floods in Kalemie/DRC

1. Background and Rationale

Between late 2023 and early 2024, the city of Kalemie, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was severely affected by heavy rainfall that caused major flooding.
These floods had a disproportionate impact on people living with disabilities, who were already facing significant vulnerabilities.

To date, 90 households of persons with disabilities have lost their homes, essential belongings, and means of livelihood. Many are now homeless, without assistive devices, and with limited access to basic services such as safe drinking water, healthcare, and food.

In response to this situation, an inclusive, dignified, and sustainable humanitarian intervention is urgently needed.

2. Identified Humanitarian Challenges

a) Limited Accessibility

• Damaged infrastructure restricting mobility for people with disabilities
• Reduced access to drinking water, medical services, and food

b) Protection and Safety Risks

• Emergency shelters not adapted to specific disability needs
• Increased exposure to abuse, neglect, violence, and exclusion

c) Loss of Property and Livelihoods

• Loss or destruction of essential assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches, mobility aids)
• Difficulty resuming income-generating activities

d) Invisibility and Social Exclusion

• Limited involvement of persons with disabilities in humanitarian decision-making
• Low community awareness of disability rights

3. Project Objectives

Overall Objective

To improve the living conditions, protection, and self-reliance of people with disabilities affected by floods in Kalemie.

Specific Objectives

1. Improve access to essential services
2. Strengthen protection and safety mechanisms
3. Support economic and social recovery
4. Promote inclusion and active participation

4. Key Planned Activities

• Rehabilitation of infrastructure to ensure universal accessibility
• Construction and adaptation of inclusive and safe emergency shelters
• Training of emergency responders and community actors on disability inclusion
• Distribution of essential assistive equipment and basic relief items
• Support to economic recovery through micro-credits and vocational training
• Community awareness-raising on disability rights and dignity

5. Humanitarian Approach

The project adopts a rights-based, inclusive, and participatory approach.
Persons with disabilities will be actively involved at all stages: needs assessment, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This ensures relevant, sustainable, and respectful humanitarian assistance.

6. Expected Results

• More resilient and accessible infrastructure benefiting the entire community
• Improved protection and safety for persons with disabilities
• Strengthened social cohesion and community solidarity
• Enhanced economic and social empowerment of persons with disabilities
• Improved community preparedness for future emergencies

7. Budget and Funding Status

The total estimated budget for the project is USD 45,500.

Through collaboration with GlobalGiving, fundraising efforts have already begun. To date, USD 2 has been raised, representing an initial but meaningful step toward achieving the funding goal.

With continued support from donors and partners, we are confident that the full funding target will be reached.

8. Project Status and Timeline

• Current phase: Identification of trainers and trainees
• Planned project start date: November 2025

9. Call to Donors

Every contribution, no matter the size, can change lives.
By supporting this project, donors help people with disabilities affected by floods regain dignity, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

We call on all donors, partners, and supporters to join this high-impact humanitarian initiative.

10. Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to GlobalGiving and to all donors who have already contributed to this project.
Your solidarity brings hope and tangible support to the most vulnerable people in Kalemie.

Thank you for believing in an inclusive, humane, and sustainable humanitarian response.