Baffling Fissures in the Ground Threaten to Engulf Entire Homes

In the heart of the journalism world, Emma Frederickson, an editor with a passion for uncovering truths, has made a name for herself. Before her current role, Emma was a freelance science reporter, delving into various topics that piqued her interest, such as climate change, conspiracy theories, and the peculiarities of biology.

Emma's academic journey began at Pace University, where she honed her skills in communication and media. Her dedication to her craft has led her to the forefront of a significant issue: the rapid expansion of gullies in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A recent study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, has shed light on this crisis. Researchers analysed satellite images taken between 2021 and 2023 and found nearly 3,000 gullies across 26 cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These gullies have been swallowing entire houses at an alarming rate, with some instances of rapid destruction.

The study compared these images to aerial photos from the 1950s and confirmed that most of the gullies were linked to urbanization. The formation of new gullies is less concerning, as they only account for 2.8 percent of local population displacement. However, the most concerning form of gully expansion, gully sidewall widening, where the walls of the gully degrade, accounts for over 65 percent of the people displaced by gullies.

The study estimates that gullies have displaced nearly 120,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone. With this knowledge, time is of the essence to get government support and make changes to address this issue. The study does not discuss which organization or institution conducted the research, but its findings underscore the urgency of action.

When not immersed in the world of journalism, Emma can be found searching for the world's best oat milk cappuccino at various coffee shops. Her professional bio is available for reading in full for those who wish to learn more about her journey.

This crisis in Africa serves as a stark reminder of the impact of urbanization and the need for proactive measures to prevent new gullies, rather than just focusing on stabilizing existing ones. As Emma continues her work, she remains committed to bringing such critical issues to light.