Flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in 33 deaths and significant damage, prompting government evacuations and the establishment of emergency shelters. Heavy rains caused the Ndjili River to overflow, affecting access to clean water in numerous communes. Local residents express frustration regarding the government’s slow response to the disaster.
The flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed 33 lives, with the situation prompting immediate government evacuation efforts for families trapped in residences. Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani confirmed that 10 additional fatalities were reported as of Sunday, following the initial 23 the previous day. Heavy rainfall led to the overflow of the Ndjili River, inundating numerous buildings.
By Monday morning, although conditions had slightly improved, several access routes remained blocked, restricting traffic movement across the city. Residents voiced their dissatisfaction towards the government’s delayed response to the disaster. Marie Nzola, a victim, lamented, “We lost everything and left everything behind,” describing the suddenness of the rainfall that struck late at night.
Officials attributed most deaths to collapsing walls during the initial flood. Kinshasa’s governor, Daniel Bumba, stated that the main road to the airport, vital for connecting Kinshasa with the rest of the country, suffered damage but is expected to reopen within 72 hours. Access to clean drinking water has been compromised in at least 16 communes due to the flooding affecting water facilities.
In response to the crisis, the government established four emergency shelters to accommodate hundreds of displaced families, as emphasized by the interior ministry. Resident Clement Matwidi articulated the shared sentiment of loss, seeking additional governmental assistance: “Everything is lost due to the floods (and) we are here waiting for the government’s decision.” This incident follows a tragic incident in 2022 where similar flooding resulted in over 100 fatalities.
The flooding disaster complicates the ongoing humanitarian challenges in eastern regions of the country, where escalating violence has inflicted severe humanitarian issues, exacerbating one of the most pressing crises worldwide.
The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for governmental intervention and support for affected residents. As conditions improve, the government must ensure swift recovery efforts and address access to basic necessities such as drinking water. The incident highlights recurring vulnerabilities within the region, warranting a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response strategies.
Original Source: www.breakingnews.ie
