The mayor of the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a tragic update regarding the recent boat fire. He stated that at least 33 people have lost their lives in this devastating incident, a figure that significantly differs from earlier estimates.
This official toll, released on Tuesday, stands in stark contrast to previous reports that indicated at least 143 fatalities, based on information from a national deputy and a local civil society leader. Mayor Yves Balo noted, “We count 195 who have survived, including 22 burn victims who are currently receiving treatment at Wangata General Hospital.” He further shared that, “Of the confirmed deaths, 29 have already been laid to rest, and four more remain at the morgue.”
When asked about the conflicting figures surrounding the death toll, Balo attributed the discrepancies to “confusion” in the process of tallying those affected by this tragedy. It’s a reminder of the chaos that often follows such disasters, underscoring the need for clarity and compassion as communities navigate the aftermath.
As we reflect on this heartbreaking event, let us bear in mind the words of writer Thomas Hardy: “The world is full of things that we can’t explain, but the most important thing we can always do is support one another.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
