- At least 33 people have died in Kinshasa due to torrential rains and floods.
- Half of the city’s 26 districts are affected, with homes and infrastructure destroyed.
- President Félix Tshisekedi has called a crisis meeting and promised support for victims.
- Flooding has worsened due to climate change and poor urban planning.
- Further heavy rains are expected in the coming weeks, compounding the crisis.
Deadly Floods in Kinshasa: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
At least 33 people have lost their lives in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following torrential rains that triggered devastating floods over the weekend. Officials confirmed the death toll as search and rescue operations continue in the city, which is home to over 17 million residents.
Severe Impact on Residents and Infrastructure
The flooding, which began overnight from Friday into Saturday, has left thousands of residents displaced, with many wading through chest-high waters or using makeshift canoes to escape. Christophe Bola, a resident of the Ndanu area, described the dire situation: “The water has reached 1.5 meters high. We have just managed to save ourselves; the rest is trapped in our homes.”
Approximately half of Kinshasa’s 26 districts have been affected, with the worst-hit areas being the city’s outskirts and impoverished neighborhoods. Many homes in western Kinshasa were swept away, and key infrastructure has been severely damaged. The city’s busiest road, connecting the center to the international airport, is now impassable, as is part of the motorway linking Kinshasa to the main port of Matadi.
Government Response and Public Outcry
President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the nation on Monday, assuring victims that “the republic will not abandon you” and announcing a government crisis meeting to coordinate relief efforts. However, many residents have expressed frustration with the authorities, accusing them of being slow to react and failing to provide adequate assistance.
Deputy President Jacquemain Shabani confirmed that the N’djili River, a tributary of the Congo River, had burst its banks, trapping many residents. The river, one of the more polluted waterways in the city, has compounded health risks due to high levels of fecal matter and other waste.
Underlying Causes: Climate Change and Urban Planning Issues
Flooding is not uncommon in Kinshasa, a city situated along the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world. However, the frequency and severity of such events have increased in recent years. President Tshisekedi has previously warned that the climate crisis is exacerbating flooding in the region. Additionally, poor urban planning and inadequate sewage maintenance have left many areas vulnerable to such disasters.
Last year, the government announced plans to address these long-standing issues, but progress has been slow. The lack of proper drainage systems and rampant soil erosion in parts of the city have further worsened the situation.
Water Shortages and Health Risks
The floods have also disrupted water supply across much of Kinshasa, as water treatment facilities were inundated. This has left thousands of residents without access to clean drinking water, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Local scientists have warned that the polluted state of rivers like the N’djili poses significant health risks, particularly in the aftermath of floods. The combination of stagnant water and poor sanitation could lead to a surge in illnesses such as cholera and dysentery.
Outlook: More Rain Expected
The national meteorological agency has warned of further heavy rains in Kinshasa and other parts of the country in the coming weeks. The eastern city of Goma, which has already faced significant challenges this year due to rebel activity, is also expected to experience heavy downpours.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, relief efforts are being ramped up, but the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges. International aid organizations and local authorities are working to provide emergency shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected.
The devastating floods in Kinshasa highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the impacts of climate change and improve urban infrastructure. As the city braces for more rain, the focus remains on saving lives and providing immediate relief to those in need.
Sources: BBC News, AFP