Severe Flooding in Kinshasa Claims Lives and Disrupts Access

Heavy rains in Kinshasa, Congo, have killed 22 people and severely disrupted access to over half of the city, including the main airport. Collapsing walls were a significant cause of death. The main road to the airport was damaged but has since reopened for light traffic. Trade impacts are a concern, recalling previous flooding incidents in 2022 that resulted in even more fatalities.

Severe flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, has resulted in at least 22 fatalities, with reports indicating that many deaths were due to collapsing walls during the deluge. Authorities expressed grave concerns as the heavy rains have disrupted access to over fifty percent of the city, including the main airport, hindering both travel and trade.

Officials, including provincial health minister Patricien Ngongo, confirmed that the flooding occurred on Friday and mentioned that the road to the airport was initially damaged but has since reopened for light traffic. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba stated that the roadway would be fully accessible within 72 hours. This critical road serves as a key link connecting Kinshasa to the wider Congo, raising alarms about potential trade disruptions.

Truck driver Blaise Ndendo highlights the challenges faced by transporters, mentioning significant delays due to road closures. His frustrations reflect a broader concern among residents and businesses, reminiscent of the similar catastrophic flooding in 2022, which claimed at least 100 lives in the same city.

This flood disaster underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness in urban Congo to mitigate the impacts of such natural calamities in the future.

The recent flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in fatalities, disrupted essential transportation, and raised concerns regarding trade in the region. Past incidents indicate that this is a recurring issue, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Authorities continue to assess the situation and work on restoring critical access as swiftly as possible.

Original Source: www.butlereagle.com