DR Congo Devastated: Kinshasa Gripped by Deadly Floods After Torrential Rain

Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is grappling with a devastating crisis after torrential rains triggered severe flooding, claiming the lives of at least 33 people, according to official reports. The deluge, which struck overnight from Friday into Saturday, has submerged entire neighborhoods, leaving residents stranded and desperate for rescue.

President Félix Tshisekedi, addressing the nation on Monday, pledged government support to the victims, acknowledging the severity of the situation and convening an emergency government meeting. "The republic will not abandon you," he assured, as images of residents wading through chest-high water or paddling makeshift canoes to safety flooded social media.

Kinshasa, a sprawling city bisected by the mighty Congo River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding. The river recently reached its highest level in six decades, exacerbating the impact of the relentless downpour. Experts point to soil erosion and inadequate infrastructure as contributing factors, while President Tshisekedi has repeatedly emphasized the role of the climate crisis in intensifying these weather events.

The hardest-hit areas include the city's outskirts and impoverished neighborhoods, where homes have been swept away by the force of the water. Christophe Bola, a resident of the Ndanu area, recounted to AFP, "The water has reached 1.5 meters high. We have just managed to save ourselves, the rest is trapped in our homes."

Amidst the chaos, frustration is mounting among residents who accuse authorities of a slow and insufficient response. The floods have also disrupted essential services, leading to widespread water shortages as water treatment pumps became submerged. Major transportation arteries, including the road connecting the city center to the international airport and sections of the highway to the main port of Matadi, have been rendered impassable.

The N'djili river, a tributary of the Congo, burst its banks, trapping numerous residents in its wake. This river is also known as being polluted, posing additional health hazards to those exposed to the floodwaters.

Looking ahead, the forecast offers little respite, with more heavy downpours expected in Kinshasa and other parts of the country, including Goma. The national meteorological agency has issued warnings for heavy rains across the north and northeast, raising concerns about further flooding and displacement.