Tragic Flooding in Kinshasa Claims Approximately 30 Lives

Severe flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo, has led to about 30 deaths and widespread destruction, attributed partly to unplanned settlements and human activity affecting river systems. Local authorities are striving to restore services interrupted by the floods, occurring amid ongoing conflict with rebel forces in the country.

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, approximately 30 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains. This alarming information was communicated by the provincial health minister, Patricien Gongo Abakazi, who indicated that the death toll may still rise as the situation develops.

The flooding occurred when the Ndjili River overflowed its banks on Friday night, obstructing the primary national road and stranding drivers since Saturday evening. Kinshasa, a city with a population of roughly 17 million, experienced significant disruption, as many neighborhoods were left without electric power.

Local residents recounted their distressing experiences during the chaos. Patricia Mikonga described spending a night in her car due to the lack of safe parking options while attempting to greet a friend arriving at the airport. Additionally, Kerene Yala, who resides in the Makala district, noted that the primary concern in her area was the interruption of the water supply.

Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki confirmed the impact of the flooding on water infrastructure but assured residents that the situation would improve within two to three days. He also attributed some of the fatalities to illegal housing and indicated potential eviction actions against individuals residing in unplanned settlements.

Hydrologist Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba emphasized the role of human activity in exacerbating the flooding. He stated, “These are anthropogenic actions where rivers are degraded; their dimensions no longer represent their initial capacity to contain floods.”

The flooding occurs amid escalating challenges for the Central African nation, as M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have intensified military actions in the eastern regions of the country. This has led to more than 7,000 casualties from fighting in just the first two months of the year.

The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in approximately 30 fatalities, widespread infrastructure damage, and significant disruption to essential services. Local authorities are working to restore water supply while addressing the challenges posed by illegal housing. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels adds to the vulnerabilities faced by the nation. This situation underscores the importance of proper urban planning and environmental protections to mitigate future disasters.

Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com