Due to the continuous heavy rainfall, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as the Democratic Republic of Congo or Congo (Kinshasa), has been hit by severe flooding disaster. The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in approximately 30 deaths, along with widespread water and power outages, and paralyzed transportation. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise further.
Reports from multiple media outlets indicate that heavy rain on the 4th and 5th of the month caused the Ndjili River in Kinshasa to breach its banks, leading to rapid flooding of surrounding communities and submerging many major roads. Several neighborhoods experienced water and power outages, forcing residents to swim or use canoes for transportation, especially in remote impoverished areas that suffered extensive damage.
The country’s Ministry of Transport stated that the flooding has cut off the main road from downtown Kinshasa to the Ndjili International Airport, as well as some roads in nearby areas. In order to ensure smooth access for passengers to and from the airport, the government has initiated emergency ferry services.
Local health officials reported that as of the 6th, approximately 30 people have died in the flood, with some individuals losing their lives due to collapsed buildings and others drowning. Additionally, dozens of injured individuals have been taken to hospitals for treatment.
Weather forecasts indicate that Kinshasa may continue to experience heavy rainfall in the coming days.
It is known that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experiences a rainy season from November to May each year, with incidents of fatal disasters such as floods and mudslides occurring frequently. In May 2023, heavy rain in the Kalayi region of the South Kivu Province caused floods and mudslides, resulting in at least 438 deaths and the destruction of thousands of houses. In December 2022, Kinshasa experienced flooding that led to the deaths of at least 100 people.