Severe Flooding in Kinshasa Results in Fatalities and Infrastructure Damage

Severe flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in 22 fatalities and disrupted access to critical city areas and the main airport. The provincial health minister noted collapses of infrastructure as a major cause of casualties. The primary road to the airport has reopened for light traffic, but full access is expected soon, amidst trade concerns.

Recent severe flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals according to local authorities. The torrential rains have resulted in widespread devastation, blocking access to more than half of the city and disrupting connections to the main airport. Patricien Ngongo, the provincial health minister, attributed most fatalities to the collapse of walls during the deluge.

The primary roadway facilitating access to the airport suffered significant damage; however, Kinshasa’s Governor Daniel Bumba announced that it has since been reopened for light traffic, with plans to restore full access within 72 hours. This vital roadway serves as a crucial link between Kinshasa and other parts of the country, raising concerns about potential interruptions to trade.

The plight of those affected is evident, as truck driver Blaise Ndendo expressed frustration over the halted progress due to the roadway being severed. He mentioned having goods to retrieve but facing obstacles because of the flooding. In a sobering reminder, it is worth noting that similar flooding incidents in 2022 resulted in at least 100 fatalities in Kinshasa.

Overall, the severe weather emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the region to mitigate future risks and protect the population from such calamities.

The recent flooding in Kinshasa, which has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives and significant infrastructure damage, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by the city. Recovery efforts are underway to restore access to major routes, but the impact on trade remains a pressing concern. Historical precedents of similar disasters highlight the critical need for enhanced preparedness in managing adverse weather events.

Original Source: www.butlereagle.com