Deadly Floods Claim 33 Lives in Kinshasa Amid Torrential Rains

President Tshisekedi Pledges Support as Residents Struggle to Survive

At least 33 people have died in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following devastating floods caused by torrential rains, according to government officials. President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the crisis on Monday, assuring victims that “the republic will not abandon you” and convening an emergency government meeting.

Desperate Escape Attempts and Widespread Damage

Residents of the 17-million-person city, which sits along the massive Congo River, are resorting to extreme measures to escape the rising waters. Many are wading, swimming, or using homemade canoes to reach safety. The floods have particularly affected western Kinshasa, where numerous homes were swept away between Friday night and Saturday morning.

Mayoral reports indicate that approximately half of the city’s 26 districts have been impacted, with search and rescue teams deployed to the worst-hit areas. The outskirts and poorest neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of the disaster.

Infrastructure Collapse and Public Outcry

The flooding has crippled Kinshasa’s infrastructure, submerging water treatment plants and leaving much of the city without clean water. Critical transportation routes, including the main road to N’djili International Airport and parts of the highway to Matadi port, have become impassable.

Local resident Christophe Bola from Ndanu area described the terrifying situation: “The water has reached 1.5 meters high. We’ve just managed to save ourselves – the rest is trapped in our homes.” Many citizens have expressed frustration with what they perceive as slow and inadequate government response.

Environmental and Climate Challenges

The disaster highlights Kinshasa’s vulnerability to climate change and poor urban planning. The Congo River recently reached its highest level in 60 years, exacerbating existing problems of soil erosion and inadequate sewage maintenance. The N’djili River, a polluted tributary of the Congo River containing high levels of waste, has overflowed its banks, trapping numerous residents.

With more heavy rains forecasted for Kinshasa and eastern regions including rebel-held Goma, the national meteorological agency has issued warnings for northern and northeastern areas of the country. The government, which announced plans last year to address urban planning deficiencies, now faces mounting pressure to implement effective solutions.