Floods in Kinshasa, DR Congo, Kill At Least 19 Amid Torrential Rain

Floods in Kinshasa, DR Congo, have resulted in at least 19 deaths and over 500 homes flooded. The provincial interior minister reported significant property damage due to infrastructure failures. The city faces recurring flooding issues exacerbated by poor maintenance and inadequate drainage systems, highlighting broader humanitarian concerns in the region.

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recent floods triggered by heavy rainfall have resulted in at least 19 fatalities, according to officials. This was confirmed on Saturday by Thierry Kabuya, the provincial interior minister. “This evening we have a provisional toll of 19 dead: 17 in the commune of Ngaliema and two in Lemba,” Kabuya stated while also noting significant property damage, particularly in Matete where over 500 homes were reported flooded.

The downpour began early in the morning and quickly inundated various neighborhoods in a city that boasts a population of around 17 million. Residents took to social media to share disturbing images depicting submerged streets and the aftermath of the calamity. Flooding has been a recurrent issue in Kinshasa, which is situated alongside the Congo River, the second-largest river in Africa.

The challenges contributing to these disasters include poor infrastructure maintenance and inadequate sewerage systems, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, where crowded living conditions exacerbate the risks. Streets left unpaved and drainage systems clogged with trash leave many vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.

Earlier this year, Kinshasa faced a similar situation when heavy rainfall in April led to the deaths of around 30 individuals. According to reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the impact of torrential rains and severe flooding in west and central Africa has affected approximately 6.9 million people in 2024. The situation remains alarming as communities continue to struggle with the consequences of such environmental challenges.

The recent floods in Kinshasa underscore a growing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by structural inadequacies and climate challenges. With fatalities rising, and significant property damage reported, urgent action is needed to improve infrastructure and reduce vulnerability in flood-prone areas. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the broader implications of extreme weather, impacting millions across the region.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net