Approximately 30 individuals have died in flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo, caused by torrential rains. The Ndjili River overflowed, obstructing roads and disrupting essential services. Authorities attribute some fatalities to illegal housing and emphasize the need to address human impacts on water systems amidst ongoing regional conflicts.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, approximately 30 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains. The provincial health minister, Patricien Gongo Abakazi, disclosed the provisional death toll, which reflects the devastating impact of the weather conditions over the weekend.
The Ndjili River overflowed its banks on Friday night, obstructing the main national road and stranding many drivers. Kinshasa resident Patricia Mikonga recounted her experience of being trapped in her vehicle overnight due to the lack of safe parking spots.
Numerous neighborhoods in Kinshasa are experiencing power outages, and Kerene Yala from the Makala district emphasized the major problem of interrupted water supply. Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki acknowledged the damage to water infrastructure but assured residents that services would be restored within two to three days.
In a televised address, Governor Lubaki attributed some fatalities to illegal housing developments and issued warnings of evictions in unregulated settlements. Furthermore, hydrologist Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba highlighted the influence of human activity on the river’s capacity, stating,
“These are anthropogenic actions where rivers are degraded; their dimensions no longer represent their initial capacity to contain floods.” The flooding coincides with a period of heightened conflict in the region, as M23 rebellion forces have escalated operations in the east, leading to significant casualties early in the year.
The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in around 30 fatalities, highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and the impact of illegal housing. While authorities assess the damage and work to restore essential services, the situation underscores underlying human activities that exacerbate flood risks. This incident occurs alongside increasing tensions due to ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, complicating the nation’s recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com
