At Least 22 Dead as Torrential Rains Trigger Devastating Floods in Congo’s Capital
At least 22 people have been confirmed dead following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The torrential downpours, which began overnight and continued into the early morning hours, triggered flash floods that overwhelmed drainage systems, submerged homes, and swept away roads, leaving a trail of destruction in one of Africa’s largest urban centers.
Local authorities and emergency services were deployed to the hardest-hit areas, where residents were seen wading through waist-high water and digging through debris in search of missing loved ones. Entire neighborhoods were left without power, and thousands have been displaced as floodwaters inundated residential zones, marketplaces, and public infrastructure.
The victims, according to initial reports from government officials, include children and elderly individuals who were trapped in their homes as water levels rose rapidly. The death toll is expected to climb as rescue operations continue and assessments are made in the city’s most affected districts.
Governor of Kinshasa, Gentiny Ngobila, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and pledged immediate support for victims. “We are mobilizing all available resources to provide emergency assistance, shelter, and medical aid to those affected,” he said in a press statement. “This is a moment of mourning for our city.”
The flooding has once again highlighted Kinshasa’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change and rapid urbanization. Poor drainage infrastructure, coupled with unregulated construction in flood-prone zones, has made the city especially susceptible to disaster.
Environmental and urban planning experts have long warned about the dangers posed by Kinshasa’s inadequate flood mitigation systems. The city, home to over 15 million people, faces significant challenges in managing stormwater, particularly during the rainy season.
Humanitarian organizations have already begun coordinating efforts to provide food, clean water, and temporary housing to displaced families. Aid workers on the ground described the situation as urgent, with many survivors lacking basic necessities and exposed to potential health risks such as waterborne diseases.
President Félix Tshisekedi has reportedly been briefed on the situation and has instructed relevant ministries to support provincial authorities in relief operations. In a statement issued by his office, the president emphasized the need for long-term urban infrastructure reform to prevent future tragedies.
The government is expected to launch an official investigation into the causes and scale of the disaster, as well as consider emergency funding for reconstruction efforts.
As Kinshasa begins to recover from this devastating blow, calls are growing for national and international support to strengthen the city’s climate resilience and ensure that such tragedies do not repeat with each rainy season.
Source : Swifteradio.com
