At least 29 people have been killed in floodwaters and landslides in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, following unusually heavy rains in the dry season. The interior ministry reported that homes were swept away, roads were flooded, and widespread power cuts were recorded as a third of the city was affected by the downpour. DR Congo’s meteorological agency Mettelsat recorded 90mm of rain on Saturday morning, higher than the typical rainfall during the rainy season from November to May.
Experts attribute the heavy rains to climate change, which has devastating consequences due to the lack of urban planning and proper drainage in Kinshasa. The city’s population, estimated to be nearing 18 million, is growing rapidly with an influx of people from other parts of the country, leading to many residents living in poorly built homes or areas prone to flooding. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo chaired a crisis meeting to coordinate the government’s flood response, and the government has extended its condolences to bereaved families, covering funeral expenses for the victims.
This disaster is not isolated, as the region has experienced severe flooding in recent months. In May, over 100 people died in flash floods in eastern DR Congo’s South Kivu region, and more than 30 people lost their lives in Kinshasa in April. The South Kivu region had previously experienced devastating floods, with the death toll rising to nearly 400 in May 2023, according to officials. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the floods as “another illustration of the acceleration of climate change” and its impact on nations that have contributed little to global warming.
The government’s response to the disaster highlights the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the international community is reminded of the importance of addressing climate change and its far-reaching consequences.