Heavy Rains in Kinshasa Cause Severe Flooding, Claiming 29 Lives

Heavy rains in Kinshasa, DR Congo, have led to devastating floods and landslides, killing at least 29 people. The interior ministry has reported extensive damage, with many homes destroyed and power outages occurring throughout the city. The rains are unusual for this time of year and experts link these events to climate change, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with inadequate urban infrastructure.

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recent heavy rains have resulted in significant devastation, claiming at least 29 lives due to floods and landslides. This downpour, described as unusual for the dry season, has wreaked havoc across the city, with homes destroyed, streets submerged, and power outages affecting many residents. The interior ministry confirmed these tragic developments, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

According to Mettelsat, the national meteorological agency, a staggering 90mm of rain—about 3.5 inches—fell on Saturday morning alone. This is notably higher than typical rainfall amounts during the regular rainy season, which runs from November through May. Experts point to climate change as a contributing factor, arguing that the impact is severe because of inadequate urban planning and poor drainage systems in Kinshasa.

Kinshasa is situated along the Congo River, one of the world’s longest rivers. Unfortunately, many residents reside in makeshift homes or areas highly vulnerable to flooding, which complicates the situation further. The city’s population is rapidly growing and is now estimated to be nearing 18 million, which marks an increase of more than 4% compared to 2024, as noted by Macrotrends.

In response to the disaster, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo convened a crisis meeting to evaluate the government response to the flooding. Following this meeting, the interior ministry issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and announced that the government would cover funeral costs for those who lost their lives in this disaster.

This isn’t the first time flooding has impacted the region; earlier this year, flash floods in the eastern South Kivu reached grave consequences, killing over 100 people in May, and another 30 in Kinshasa in April. The cycle of flooding and loss is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the DR Congo due to extreme weather events and inadequate infrastructure.

For those looking for more updates regarding DR Congo and related news, BBC Africa offers a range of resources and reports online.

The tragic flooding in Kinshasa due to unprecedented rains during the dry season has resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Climate change and poor urban planning are blamed for exacerbating the situation. The government has stepped in with emergency responses and aid for victims’ families, emphasizing the urgent need for better city planning and drainage solutions to prevent future disasters.

Original Source: www.bbc.com