Floods in DR Congo Capital Kill at Least 19 People
Severe floods in Kinshasa, DR Congo, have resulted in at least 19 deaths and extensive property damage. Heavy rainfall submerged neighborhoods, particularly affecting Ngaliema and Matete. The city struggles with infrastructure issues that compound the risks during rainstorms, with previous incidents also resulting in fatalities. Around 6.9 million people in the broader region have been affected by severe flooding in the last year.
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, experienced devastating floods on June 15, 2025, claiming at least 19 lives as torrential rain fell over the city. The heavy rainfall struck in the early hours, leading to flooding in multiple neighborhoods throughout the capital, home to approximately 17 million residents. Eyewitness accounts, particularly from social media, reveal the extent of the inundation.
Thierry Kabuya, Kinshasa’s interior minister, provided an update on the situation, reporting, “This evening we have a provisional toll of 19 dead: 17 in the commune of Ngaliema and two in Lemba.” He also mentioned that around 500 homes in the Matete area were flooded, while major property damage was noted due to landslides triggered by the downpour.
The ongoing issue of flooding in Kinshasa is exacerbated by its location along the Congo River, the second largest river in Africa. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first instance of deadly floods in the city. In April, an earlier bout of heavy rainfall led to the deaths of roughly 30 individuals.
Many neighborhoods in Kinshasa suffer from poor infrastructure, particularly in terms of drainage. Improper maintenance, along with blocked drainage pipes — often clogged by waste in lower-income areas — greatly increases the risk for vulnerable communities living in informal settlements.
The impact of severe flooding extends beyond Kinshasa. Data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that approximately 6.9 million people across west and central Africa faced similar challenges from torrential rains and severe flooding in the year 2024.
The tragic floods in Kinshasa highlight the urgent need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the city, particularly in poorer neighborhoods. As the impact of climate change intensifies, cities like Kinshasa may face increasingly frequent and severe weather events. Addressing the underlying issues, such as inadequate drainage and maintenance, becomes crucial to protect vulnerable populations from future disasters.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
