In brief
The Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, faces devastating floods following heavy rains, resulting in confirmed deaths and widespread displacement, with government officials fearing the toll may rise.
In a tragic turn of events, the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, has been struck by catastrophic flooding caused by torrential rains, leading to the loss of at least 33 lives and displacing thousands. The intense rainfall caused the Ndjili River to overflow, inundating major thoroughfares including Lumumba Boulevard, critical for airport access. This devastating weather event follows a pattern of increasing flooding in Africa, often linked to climate change.Recent figures reveal that in the last few years, Congo has experienced severe flooding, with hundreds of annual fatalities. The 2024 floods marked the deadliest in nearly sixty years, claiming over 300 lives and displacing approximately 280,000 households. In response to the crisis, President Felix Tshisekedi visited affected regions, pledging assistance, while also attributing the tragedy partially to illegal settlements built on precarious landscapes lacking proper drainage.Residents like Denise Sukali, who sought refuge in a church with her family, recounted the desperation wrought by the floods, stating, "We just managed to save our lives." Beyond the flooding disaster, the country is grappling with an ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a decades-long conflict in the eastern regions, which has compounded the challenges faced by its populace. The recent flooding has only intensified these dire circumstances, placing more than 7.8 million people at risk of losing essential food aid.
