Severe Flooding in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo Results in Approximate 30 Deaths
Severe flooding in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo, has led to about 30 deaths and significant infrastructure damage. The Ndjili River overflowed, leading to stranded travelers and power outages in numerous neighborhoods. Local authorities are addressing water supply issues amid ongoing instability due to regional conflicts.
In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, approximately 30 fatalities have been reported due to severe flooding, as indicated by the provincial health minister on Sunday. The torrential downpours over the weekend resulted in the destruction of homes and roads, exacerbating the crisis. “The death toll is provisional, but so far there are around thirty dead,” described Patricien Gongo Abakazi in a statement to Reuters.
The Ndjili River overflowed its banks on Friday night, which disrupted major transportation routes, leaving many drivers stranded since Saturday evening. Resident Patricia Mikonga recounted her experience, stating, “On the way home from the airport last night to welcome a friend, we spent the night in the car because there was no safe place to park.”
Numerous neighborhoods have reportedly lost electrical power, leading to increased distress among citizens. Kerene Yala, a resident of the Makala district, emphasized that the primary issue in her area was the interruption of the water supply. In response, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki assured the public that water supply would be reinstated within two to three days, although he noted that local infrastructure had sustained damages.
Governor Lubaki also addressed the matter of illegal housing, attributing some fatalities to unregulated settlements, and he issued warnings regarding impending evictions from these areas. Meanwhile, hydrologist Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba elaborated on the situation, stating, “These are anthropogenic actions where rivers are degraded; their dimensions no longer represent their initial capacity to contain floods.”
The flooding occurs during a particularly precarious period for the Central African nation, as armed conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has intensified, resulting in over 7,000 casualties within the first two months of the year.
The flooding in Kinshasa has tragically resulted in approximately 30 deaths, with many residents facing severe disruptions to their daily lives due to the overflow of the Ndjili River. Critical infrastructure has been impacted, prompting local authorities to make assurances about restoring services. The situation is further complicated by ongoing instability in the region due to armed conflict.
Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com
