Flooding in Kinshasa Leaves 33 Dead and Hundreds Displaced

Recent flooding in Kinshasa has claimed 33 lives, with hundreds of families displaced. Heavy rains caused the Ndjili River to overflow, impacting housing and infrastructure. The government has begun evacuations and established emergency shelters. Access to clean drinking water has become problematic for several communities as they recover from the disaster.

The flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in a reported death toll of 33, prompting urgent evacuations for numerous families stranded in their homes. This figure includes ten fatalities confirmed on Sunday, in addition to 23 reported previously. Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani disclosed this information during a state television broadcast, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Heavy rains that began last week led to the overflow of the Ndjili River on Friday, submerging numerous buildings. By Monday morning, while some road conditions had improved, access remained obstructed, and traffic was limited. Residents voiced concerns regarding the government’s delayed response to the disaster, expressing their frustrations regarding inadequate support and the loss of their homes.

Many fatalities resulted from collapsing walls during the flooding. Despite the damage, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba assured that the primary route to the airport would reopen within 72 hours, facilitating greater access across the region. Additionally, the flooding has affected drinking water availability for 16 communes due to damaged water facilities.

The government has established at least four emergency shelters, accommodating hundreds of displaced families. Resident Clement Matwidi criticized the lack of immediate assistance from authorities, highlighting the dire situation for those impacted. This incident follows a similar flooding disaster in 2022, which claimed at least 100 lives. The flooding exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis in the eastern region of the country, where armed conflict continues to escalate.

In summary, the recent flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in a significant death toll and widespread destruction, prompting governmental efforts for evacuations and support. While some infrastructure improvements are underway, the impact on accessible water supplies and emergency shelter needs remains a pressing concern. This disaster not only highlights the challenges faced by the capital’s residents but also draws attention to the ongoing humanitarian struggles within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Original Source: www.breakingnews.ie