Flooding in Kinshasa: At Least 22 Lives Lost Due to Severe Weather

Heavy rains have led to catastrophic flooding in Kinshasa, resulting in at least 22 deaths and blocking access to half the city and the main airport. Much of the fatalities occurred from collapsing walls, and while the main road to the airport has been partially reopened, concerns regarding trade disruptions persist. Past flooding incidents have seen even higher fatalities.

Severe flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, has resulted in the tragic death of at least 22 individuals and disrupted access to more than half of the city, including the main airport, as reported by local authorities. Provincial Health Minister Patricien Ngongo noted that the majority of the fatalities occurred due to collapsing walls amid the deluge.
\nCurrently, the main road connecting to the airport sustained damage but has been reopened for light traffic, with expectations that it will accommodate all traffic within 72 hours, according to Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba. This road serves as a critical link between Kinshasa and the rest of the country, raising concerns over potential trade impacts.
\nTruck driver Blaise Ndendo expressed frustration at the ongoing delays, stating, “We’ve been here since nightfall, but we’re not making any progress, because we’ve been told that the road is cut in two, and we have goods that we’re going to pick up.” The devastation from this flooding event bears resemblance to a similar incident in 2022, where over 100 lives were lost due to flooding in the same area.

In conclusion, the recent flooding in Kinshasa has led to significant casualties and disruptions, highlighting the risks associated with such extreme weather events. Authorities are working to restore access to key transportation routes, vital for trade and emergency responses. The situation raises concerns for the future, especially in light of historical flooding events in the region.

Original Source: www.butlereagle.com