I have just come from the camp in Goma where 670 Ranger family members have been living now for over 2 weeks - since the fighting worsened up at Rumangabo station on 8 October. There have been 7 outbreaks of cholera in the last 24 hours - 6 children and 1 woman.
Earlier at the camp this afternoon
We need to get medicine to the camp so cholera can be treated immediately, and then the children and others who get the disease can eventually be transferred to a clinic. There is just no such thing as emergency services right now, and cholera can spread like wildfire.
Joel the nurse just went to try and buy medicine at the pharmacy in town, and then all the riots broke out against the UN and the pharmacy and all the other shops closed their doors.
Life tries to go on as normal, but the atmosphere is strained as the wives are worried for their missing husbands
We have just heard again from some of the Rangers in the forest. Of the 53 Rangers that were guarding Rumangabo station and were forced to flee, we are in touch with a group of 12. All the others have dispersed as a result of the fighting and we have no way of knowing where they are. The group we are in touch with are exhausted and dehydrated, and still a long way from safety. They did make it to the road at Rugare, but when they came out of the forest the rebels shot at them and they had to run back in. They are literally at their wit’s end.
Goma is quiet. Those who can are going over the border to Rwanda as rumor is rife that the rebels may try and take the town. It is all over the international media. If you go to this BBC article here the photo says it all.
Thank you for your support and your donations. We have just drawn up a budget of urgent funds that we need to support our Rangers and their families which we will be posting shortly. All the donations in the last few days will go towards the goal. Remember we don’t take any admin fee - all your donation goes to the field.
11 Responses to “7 Outbreaks of Cholera at Ranger Camp in Goma; Rangers Now Dehydrated & Exhausted in Forest”
Thank you guys. I pray that all 53 Rangers can find their way safely to Goma.
This is another in the series of shocking developments. It just reminds us all what heros these people are. Thank you for your strength and dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the innocents caught in the crossfire.
I am shaking my friends on Facebook and other sites to be aware and active
Hold on!
You are not forgotten
Sophie
Thank you Sophie. We have a Facebook cause as you know here http://apps.new.facebook.com/causes/causes/9080/
We have also launched a fundraising goal of $10,000 over the next week to help with this emergency of supporting the displaced Rangers and their families. Tomorrow on this site we will be launching the more comprehensive appeal - you can see new Donate items have been inserted into the sidebar.
This crisis is unprecedented, volatile, and far from over.
For the last few days the news have been like a nightmare. Please keep safe! My thoughts are with you!
Oh this is not good. I so hope the rangers and the people fare well. I also so hope the Gorillys stay hidden and quiet.
Peace…
Big Gorilly Hugs
My heart breaks reading about what is happening. My thoughts are with you all. I have donated but wish I could give more. Can anyone on this board suggest who I should contact in my goverment to express my concerns? I have never really done such a thing. I am upset this is not getting more news coverage here in the US.
Hi Veronica, Please visit Sheryl’s site.
http://nothoney.wordpress.com/wildlife-direct-lobby/
You will find information there that will help you lobby your respective government officials, as well as information regarding media outlets that can be contacted. There are also a few sample letters. Thanks for your help. Lisa
Emmanuel, I’m thinking of you all and hoping fervently that your team, rangers and families will come out of this horrifying situation unharmed. Iris
many thanks for all your messages of support. We had a slightly unsettled night, with a lot of sporadic shooting in Goma, where the situation is quite tense. Right now, things are quite calm. The fighting has spread north, towards Rutshuru. We’ve heard that the town of Rubare, about 10kms north of Rumangabo, has now been taken by the rebels. We’ll keep you posted on developments.
Samantha, Emmanuel,
The France Presse Agency, the Point, Le Figaro etc… as of many French newspapers report the facts of R.D.Congo. For some I asked so that one speak about your action, of the work of the guards and the defense of the gorillas of the mountains as well as theirs endangered by this war. I still hope you are at shelter and you addresses my sincere friendships .
http://www.Le Point.fr (French news)