Devastating Flooding in Kinshasa Claims Around 30 Lives Amid Infrastructure Crisis
Severe flooding in Kinshasa, DR Congo, has claimed around 30 lives, caused infrastructure damage, and left neighborhoods without power and water. Governor Lubaki attributed some deaths to illegal housing, while hydrologist Dr. Tshimanga indicated human activities have worsened flood conditions. The flooding time coincides with increased violence from M23 rebels in the east.
In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, approximately 30 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding. The provincial health minister, Patricien Gongo Abakazi, confirmed this number during statements made on Sunday, emphasizing that it is provisional as further assessments are conducted. The torrential rains over the weekend caused significant destruction, affecting homes and road infrastructure.
The Ndjili River overflowed its banks on Friday night, which led to the blockage of the main national road. This resulted in drivers being stranded since Saturday evening. Kinshasa resident Patricia Mikonga recounted the ordeal, stating, “On the way home from the airport last night to welcome a friend, we spent the night in the car because there was no safe place to park.”
Multiple neighborhoods have experienced power outages due to the flooding. Kerene Yala, a resident of the Makala district, highlighted that the primary concern in her area was the interruption of water supply. Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki assured residents that the water supply would be restored within two to three days but acknowledged that infrastructure had been damaged.
In a televised address, Governor Lubaki also attributed some of the fatalities to illegal housing, threatening eviction for those residing in unplanned settlements. Hydrologist Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba noted that human activities over time have degraded river conditions, stating, “These are anthropogenic actions where rivers are degraded; their dimensions no longer represent their initial capacity to contain floods.”
The timing of this flooding is particularly troubling for the Central African nation, as tensions escalate within the country. A surge in conflict driven by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has led to over 7,000 fatalities in the east within the first two months of the year.
The recent flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in approximately 30 deaths, significant infrastructural damage, and water supply interruptions. Authorities are working on restoration efforts, while linking some of the tragedy to unregulated housing developments. Additionally, the country faces heightened insecurity due to escalating violence from rebel groups, highlighting the complexities of the current situation.
Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com
