Democratic Republic of the Congo

[Kyle Adams]

Friends,

A partner in Goma, DRC, is requesting assistance due to the conflict between the government and a rebel group that has seized control of the city.  Riots, looting, and abduction have been reported since the M23 rebels entered the city.

His assessment on the ground is that they need food, water, and medicine.  If there is anyone who is putting together any kind of aid for Goma, please reply in this discussion.  Our friend on the ground, Levis, has a capable network that could assist in distribution or warehousing.

thanks,

Kyle

                        

[Robert Koh]

Good luck out there mate.

[Kyle Adams]

Thanks Robert.  There's been a lot of heartache in this country in the last 30 years.

[Elish Arun Majumder]

Dear friend

Thanks for your mail. I would like to know more details about the situation of Congo and the partner Goma. What type of assistance they require or need? I am agree to do some thing for them if I have any ability. In emergency response work I have experience on food distribution, shelter management, assessment etc. Please let me know details.

I pray for Congo.

Thanks

Elish Arun Majumder
Disaster Management Adviser
Tearfund Bangladesh Team
Cell: [phone]

[Kyle Adams]

Hello Elish,

Good to hear from you.  From the reports I've received, rebels have taken control of the town, and forced the Congolese military.  The three most important needs are:

• Food- any kind of food distribution will help.  Especially food for infants like baby milk. 
• Medicine- especially first aid supplies.  People have been rioting and in some cases attacking people in their homes and looting houses
• Water- any kind of water filtration or distribution will help

I will put you in contact with our friend in Goma.  Hopefully we are able to help these people.

thanks,

Kyle

[Mike Adams]

Hi Kyle.

I have read and noted.  I'm afraid our Kenya team is not ready for action yet.  It is my goal to have an East African based Rapid Response Radio Unit ready in 2013. 

Mike, INTL coordinator, FIRST Response Radio

[Kyle Adams]

Thanks Mike.  According to the team in Goma, things are getting worse quickly.  We'll see what we can do.

[Kyle Adams]

Update from a friend in Goma:

Rebels have withdrawn, about 20 km outside Goma,  but conditions inside the city have not changed.  His home was looted, as were many others.  There are currently 55 people living in his home, desperate for shelter.  The situation is urgent.

The most severe needs are food, water,  and medical care.  If you have any leads on anyone getting any kind of relief together for Goma,  or if you have any desire to help these people, please reply.