Flooding in Kinshasa Results in 22 Fatalities and Extensive Damage

Recent flooding in Kinshasa has claimed at least 22 lives and severed access to significant parts of the city and the main airport. Key roads are being restored, although trade and transportation remain at risk. Past flooding in 2022 underscores the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

Major flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in at least 22 fatalities and significant disruption, with more than half of the city and the main airport rendered inaccessible, according to local authorities. The provincial health minister, Patricien Ngongo, attributed most deaths to collapsing walls amidst the torrential rains.

The heavy rainfall impacted the primary road to the airport, which has since been reopened for light traffic; full access is expected within 72 hours, as stated by Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba. This road is vital as it connects Kinshasa to other regions of the country, raising concerns about potential trade disruptions.

A truck driver, Blaise Ndendo, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We’ve been here since nightfall, but we’re not making any progress, because we’ve been told that the road is cut in two, and we have goods that we’re going to pick up.” The recent floods have drawn parallels to 2022 when a similar event resulted in over 100 deaths in the capital.

The severe flooding in Kinshasa has led to tragic loss of life, considerable infrastructural damage, and concerns over trade disruptions. As the city works to restore access to major routes, officials continue to assess the situation to mitigate further impact. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters in the region.

Original Source: www.butlereagle.com