Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has succumbed to severe flooding causing at least 33 deaths and widespread displacement, exacerbating the country's ongoing humanitarian challenges amid climate change impacts.
Deadly Floods Devastate Kinshasa as Congo Faces Humanitarian Crisis
Deadly Floods Devastate Kinshasa as Congo Faces Humanitarian Crisis
Torrential rains in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital have left dozens dead and thousands displaced amid a surge in climate-related disasters.
Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a devastating flood has struck Kinshasa, the capital city, after an immense downpour over recent days. The flooding, primarily caused by the Ndjili River exceeding its banks, has submerged key infrastructures, including the essential Lumumba Boulevard, leading to the airport. As rescue operations and assessments unfold, local government reports suggest that the fatalities have reached at least 33, but officials fear the number could rise as the floodwaters recede and more victims are discovered.
The torrential rains have led to the displacement of thousands of residents in the metropolis home to approximately 17 million people. Previous years have witnessed Congo grappling with severe weather patterns, including record floods and droughts attributed to climate change. A United Nations report indicated that in 2024, the nation experienced its worst flooding in 60 years, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives and displacing around 280,000 households.
Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, conducted a visit to the flood-affected areas, vowing to deliver food and aid to those displaced by the catastrophe. He indicated that the illegal settlements throughout the city contributed to the high death toll, as unchecked urban development on precarious hillsides has led to inadequate drainage and increased vulnerability to flooding.
Among those affected, Denise Sukali, a mother of three, described her ordeal of sheltering in a church with her children. “We just managed to save our lives,” she recounted, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty faced by many amid this crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is no stranger to hardships, with its eastern regions engulfed in a long-standing conflict that has led to massive displacement and loss of life. Recent figures reveal that nearly seven million people have been uprooted due to the resurgence of violence in these areas.
The U.S. has been a significant contributor to humanitarian efforts in Congo, investing approximately $910 million in 2024 for food, water, and shelter to support the population. Yet, with the recent withdrawal of several foreign aid programs, many fear that as the country battles the dual crises of flooding and conflict, millions may soon face dire food shortages and malnutrition, particularly among children.
As Kinshasa continues to navigate the devastation from the recent floods, there is an urgent call for international support and attention to help alleviate the mounting needs of its suffering population.
