In brief
At least 33 people have died in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, due to devastating torrential rains and subsequent flooding, officials report. The city, home to approximately 17 million residents, has witnessed its worst flooding in several decades. Many locals are desperate to escape the inundated streets, resorting to swimming or using makeshift canoes to reach safety. The Congo River, one of the world's largest, has swelled to dangerous levels, exacerbating the situation.
Flooding is not uncommon for Kinshasa, however, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of such events. Recent heavy rains have swept away numerous homes, particularly in the poorer districts of the city. Reports indicate that about half of Kinshasa’s 26 districts have been impacted, compelling mayoral officials to deploy search and rescue teams to assist affected residents. The Ndanu neighborhood has suffered immense damage, with water levels reaching 1.5 meters in some areas. Local resident Christophe Bola shared his plight, stating, “We have just managed to save ourselves; the rest is trapped in our homes.” Frustration is mounting among residents over a perceived lack of prompt action from authorities, prompting calls for more effective assistance. The floods have also disrupted water supplies, as the city’s water treatment facilities have been submerged. Major transport routes, including the main road to the international airport and the highway to the port of Matadi, have become impassable. Additionally, the N'djili River, a tributary of the Congo, has overflowed, stranding numerous residents in its path. This river is highly polluted, posing significant health risks. Despite previous government promises to address such infrastructure issues, the challenges persist. As Kinshasa confronts the immediate aftermath of the floods, forecasts predict continued heavy rains that may affect other regions in northern and northeastern DR Congo in the coming days.
