At Least 22 Killed After Heavy Rains Flood Congo’s Capital
Major flooding in Kinshasa, DRC has resulted in at least 22 deaths and has blocked access to over half of the city and the main airport. The provincial health minister reported that most fatalities were due to collapsing walls during the heavy rains. Rescue efforts face challenges amid ongoing adverse weather.
On Sunday, reports confirmed that major flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in at least 22 fatalities. Heavy rains have inundated significant portions of the city, resulting in substantial disruption, including the blockage of access to over half of Kinshasa and the main airport. The provincial health minister, Patricien Ngongo, attributed the majority of these deaths to collapsing walls during the torrential downpour.
The catastrophic flooding, which occurred on a Friday, has raised concerns regarding safety and infrastructure stability in the area. Authorities are facing challenges in providing immediate assistance and restoring normalcy, as the city’s conditions remain perilous due to ongoing rain and subsequent structural damages. Rescue efforts are likely to be complicated by continuing adverse weather conditions in the region.
The flooding in Kinshasa has caused significant loss of life and widespread access restrictions, particularly impacting transportation to the main airport. As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and assisting those affected by the tragedy. The situation serves as a reminder of the increasing impact of extreme weather events on urban areas.
Original Source: www.guardonline.com
