Flooding in Kinshasa Claims Approximately 30 Lives, Authorities Report

Severe flooding in Kinshasa has led to approximately 30 deaths and significant infrastructure damage. Authorities report power outages and water supply issues, with the provincial governor blaming illegal housing for the disaster. The flooding exacerbates existing instability caused by ongoing conflicts in the region.

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, approximately 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains over the weekend. Patricien Gongo Abakazi, the provincial health minister, reported this provisional death toll. The Ndjili River overflowed on Friday night, disrupting essential infrastructure and leaving many residents stranded since the evening of Saturday.

The flooding has resulted in widespread damage, with several neighborhoods experiencing power outages. Kinshasa resident Patricia Mikonga recounted her ordeal, stating that she was forced to spend the night in her car due to a lack of safe parking options. Kerene Yala, a local from the Makala district, highlighted the water supply cutoff as a significant issue in the affected area.

Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki confirmed the impact on the water infrastructure but assured that the supply would resume within two to three days. During a televised address, he attributed part of the tragedy to illegal housing developments and warned that evictions may be enforced in unplanned settlements. Hydrologist Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba remarked on the degradation of river systems due to human activity, stating that such actions have diminished the rivers’ capacity to handle floods.

The flooding incident occurs amid a period of unrest in the Central African nation, exacerbated by the escalating offensive of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the eastern regions, which has already resulted in over 7,000 fatalities in early 2023.

The recent flooding in Kinshasa has led to significant loss of life and disruption of essential services. The local government’s response includes plans for infrastructure recovery and concerns over illegal housing contributing to the disaster. Additionally, the ongoing instability in the nation, marked by the M23 rebel offensive, compounds the challenges faced by authorities and communities.

Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com