Floods in Kinshasa Claim Lives as Torrential Rains Cause Devastation

At least 19 people died in Kinshasa due to floods caused by heavy rains, with extensive damage reported in several neighborhoods. Poor drainage infrastructure remains a significant risk in the city, particularly for those living in vulnerable conditions. This incident reflects ongoing flooding issues in the region where millions have been affected by similar weather events in recent times.

Flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has tragically claimed at least 19 lives this past Saturday, as reported by a provincial minister. The heavy rains began early in the morning, quickly inundating many areas in a city of approximately 17 million inhabitants. Images shared via social media depict considerable flooding in various neighborhoods, highlighting the severity of the situation.

“This evening, we have a provisional toll of 19 dead: 17 in the commune of Ngaliema and two in Lemba, and more than 500 homes flooded in the commune of Matete,” said Kinshasa province’s interior minister Thierry Kabuya to AFP. He also noted the “major material damage due to landslides.” This incident underscores the ongoing threat of flooding in Kinshasa, which is situated alongside the congested banks of the Congo River.

Flooding in Kinshasa is often exacerbated by poor maintenance and inadequate sewerage infrastructure, leaving drainage pipes clogged with debris, particularly in impoverished areas. The risks are notably higher for those living in makeshift shelters and neighborhoods with unpaved streets, where the impact of torrential rain is most severely felt. Indeed, just this past April, heavy showers resulted in around 30 fatalities in the capital city.

Data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that severe rains and flooding affected roughly 6.9 million individuals in West and Central Africa in 2024, highlighting a broader regional crisis. Efforts to improve infrastructure and flood management are critical to reducing the danger faced by these vulnerable communities during the rainy season.

In conclusion, the recent floods in Kinshasa have highlighted a dire situation, with at least 19 confirmed fatalities and extensive property damage. The lack of adequate drainage systems severely affects poorer neighborhoods, resulting in recurrent flooding disasters. With millions impacted by similar conditions in the region, there’s an urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster preparedness to better protect residents.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net