Heavy Rains Cause Deadly Flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Heavy rains in Kinshasa, DR Congo, during the dry season have caused 29 deaths from floods and landslides. The interior ministry reported widespread destruction, affecting a third of the city. Experts attribute the severe weather to climate change compounded by inadequate urban planning. The government is coordinating its response and providing aid to affected families.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been ravaged by heavy rains unprecedented for the dry season, resulting in at least 29 fatalities due to floods and landslides. This alarming information comes from the interior ministry, which highlights the chaos caused by such weather. Reports indicate that a third of the city experienced severe flooding, with homes destroyed and roads submerged. Additionally, power cuts have compounded the crisis as citizens grapple with the aftermath.

The country’s meteorological agency, Mettelsat, noted that about 90mm of rain fell on Saturday morning alone—amounting to more than the typical rainfall during the actual rainy season, which generally runs from November to May. Experts are linking the extreme weather to the impacts of climate change, compounded by a dire lack of urban planning and insufficient drainage systems.

Kinshasa, located on the banks of the Congo River—one of the longest rivers globally—has seen an influx of residents drawn from various parts of the nation. Many now inhabit poorly constructed dwellings or live in areas vulnerable to flooding. The city’s population is reportedly close to 18 million, showing an increase of over 4% from statistics reported in 2024, according to Macrotrends.

In response to the unfolding disaster, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo led a crisis meeting aimed at coordinating the government’s response to the floods. A statement from the ministry conveyed the government’s condolences to the grieving families affected by this tragedy, and it outlined plans to cover funeral expenses for the victims.

This event is not an isolated incident. In May, over 100 people lost their lives due to flash floods in eastern DR Congo’s South Kivu region. Earlier, in April, Kinshasa also witnessed more than 30 fatalities due to similar weather-related events.

In summary, Kinshasa has been hit hard by extraordinarily heavy rains during the dry season, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Experts cite climate change and urban planning failures as significant contributing factors to this disaster. The government’s efforts to assist affected families following this crisis highlight an urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate future risks.

Original Source: www.bbc.com