Floods in DR Congo Capital Kill at Least 19: Minister

Flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo, resulted in at least 19 deaths and extensive flooding of homes. The rainy season’s impact highlights systemic issues in drainage and infrastructure. This phenomenon has drastically affected vulnerable communities in the city.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has experienced a catastrophic flooding event, claiming at least 19 lives on Saturday, according to local officials. The downpours hit in the early morning hours, swiftly inundating several neighborhoods across the bustling city, which is home to around 17 million residents. Images shared on social media paint a grim picture of the devastation.

Thierry Kabuya, the interior minister for Kinshasa province, stated, “This evening we have a provisional toll of 19 dead: 17 in the commune of Ngaliema and two in Lemba and more than 500 homes flooded in the commune of Matete.” The minister also emphasized the significant material damage caused by landslides.

Tragically, this is not the first time flooding has wreaked havoc in Kinshasa. The city, located alongside the Congo River—Africa’s second-largest river after the Nile—is notorious for such disasters. Many areas suffer from poor drainage due to improper maintenance and inadequate sewerage systems. Consequently, rubbish clogs drainage pipes, worsening the impact of heavy rains.

The poorest neighborhoods, characterized by makeshift shacks and unpaved streets, are most vulnerable during these storms. Just two months prior, in April, heavy rains resulted in approximately 30 fatalities in the city. The ongoing issue raises concerns for local authorities as they grapple with infrastructure shortcomings.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported alarming figures from 2024, revealing that about 6.9 million individuals in west and central Africa were impacted by destructive rains and flooding. Kinshasa continues to face challenges as extreme weather patterns persist, calling for urgent measures to enhance disaster resilience.

The recent floods in Kinshasa have tragically taken 19 lives and caused extensive property damage. Poor infrastructure and drainage systems exacerbate the city’s vulnerability to such weather events, a problem that has been recurring. The urgent need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness has been underscored in light of previous flooding incidents. The ongoing extreme weather across the region necessitates immediate attention and action.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net