Heavy Rains in Kinshasa Lead to Flooding and 29 Confirmed Deaths

Severe rains during the dry season in Kinshasa, DR Congo, resulted in at least 29 deaths due to flooding and landslides. Meteorologists recorded unprecedented rainfall levels, prompting concerns about the impacts of climate change and inadequate urban planning. The government is taking measures, including cover for funeral costs for the victims, amidst an ongoing crisis response.

Heavy rains in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have led to tragic consequences, with at least 29 confirmed deaths. This downpour, which occurred during what is normally a dry season, has caused floods and landslides, severely impacting the region according to the interior ministry. Homes have been destroyed, roads rendered impassable, and power outages have swept across significant parts of the city.

The country’s meteorological agency, Mettelsat, reported an astonishing 90mm (3.5 inches) of rain on Saturday morning alone, a level much higher than what is typically expected in the rainy season lasting from November to May. Experts attribute these excessive rains to climate change, exacerbating a situation already worsened by inadequate urban planning and insufficient drainage systems.

Kinshasa is located on the Congo River, one of the world’s longest rivers. The city is home to nearly 18 million residents, many of whom reside in hastily constructed houses or in high-risk flood zones. The ongoing population growth, fueled by an influx of people from other regions, complicates the city’s ability to manage such disasters effectively.

In response to the crisis, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo convened a meeting to coordinate the government’s relief efforts. The interior ministry expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced support to cover funeral expenses for the victims. This flooding incident follows a deadly pattern, as just months earlier, over 100 deaths occurred due to flash floods in the South Kivu region, with 30 fatalities reported in Kinshasa in April.

This calamity highlights the urgent need for significant improvements in the city’s infrastructure to better prepare for and respond to such extreme weather events. For continuous updates regarding the unfolding situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, visit BBC Africa’s website and follow their social media channels.

The recent heavy rains in Kinshasa, resulting in at least 29 fatalities, underscore the severe impact of climate change on urban areas lacking proper drainage and infrastructure. With increasing population pressures, the city’s vulnerability to flooding only deepens. The government’s response highlights both the immediate human cost and the urgent need for long-term urban planning to mitigate future disasters.

Original Source: www.bbc.com