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Severe Flooding Devastates Kinshasa, Leaving At Least 33 Dead

Torrential rains have caused significant flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least 33 fatalities as reported by local authorities. As the floodwaters rise, residents are resorting to desperate measures to escape, including swimming and using makeshift boats to reach safety.

With a population of approximately 17 million people, Kinshasa is positioned along the expansive Congo River, one of the world’s largest rivers. Recent weather patterns have led to the river reaching its highest level in 60 years, exacerbating the situation in a city already prone to flooding.

Local experts highlight the impact of climate change on these disasters, with soil erosion in many areas of the city making communities vulnerable. The Congolese government has acknowledged the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding as a consequence of environmental changes.

Overnight from Friday to Saturday, severe flooding swept through western Kinshasa, devastating many homes. Current assessments indicate that about half of the city’s districts have been affected. Rescue operations are underway, as emergency teams have been deployed to assist those in peril.

Among the hardest-hit areas are impoverished neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Local resident Christophe Bola, living in the Ndanu region, shared a harrowing account, stating, “The water has reached 1.5 meters high. We have just managed to save ourselves; the rest is trapped in our homes.”

Community members have expressed frustration over the slow governmental response to the crisis, calling for faster and more efficient aid. In addition to the immediate dangers posed by the flooding, many residents are now facing water shortages, as the flooding has also submerged vital water treatment facilities in the city.

Key transport routes have been rendered impassable, including a major road linking the city center to the international airport and parts of the motorway leading to Matadi, the country’s primary port. The N’djili River, a tributary of the Congo, has overflowed, further complicating relief efforts and trapping residents in affected neighborhoods.

In light of the ongoing crises, there are concerns regarding public health. The N’djili River is known for its pollution, with scientific studies indicating high levels of fecal contamination. Poor sewage maintenance and lack of effective urban planning have long plagued many districts in Kinshasa, raising alarms about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases post-flooding.

Last year, the government proposed solutions to address urban infrastructure deficiencies, although implementation remains a challenge. Meanwhile, forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall will continue to impact northern and northeastern DR Congo in the coming days, raising concerns of further flooding.

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