Synopsis
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in Kinshasa, resulting in at least 33 deaths. Emergency services are responding to the crisis, evacuating vulnerable populations and addressing infrastructure damage as fears of more rain loom.Key Takeaways
- 33 people confirmed dead due to flooding
- Government has set up a crisis management unit
- Severe disruptions reported at N'djili International Airport
- Ongoing evacuations for vulnerable groups
- Escalating conflict in eastern DRC complicates the situation
Kinshasa, April 7 (NationPress) At least 33 lives have been lost due to severe rains that inundated Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as reported by officials on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security, Jacquemain Shabani, stated that the intense rainfall, occurring overnight from Friday to Saturday, has inflicted significant damage across various districts of the capital, resulting in numerous injuries and the destruction of many homes.
In response, the government has established a crisis management unit, collaborating with the armed forces, various ministries, and the Kinshasa provincial government to execute evacuations and dispatch emergency teams.
The flooding has disrupted much of the city's infrastructure, submerging vital roads and causing widespread power and water outages throughout the area.
The Ministry of Transport has indicated severe interruptions to routes to and from N'djili International Airport, leading to the initiation of emergency ferry services to assist stranded passengers.
Meteorologists predict ongoing heavy rainfall in the upcoming days, escalating concerns about further devastation in the city of 17 million residents.
The DRC's rainy season usually spans from November through May, according to Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on April 6, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba mentioned that the death toll is provisional and could increase as search and rescue efforts continue.
"We are still conducting evacuations, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children," Bumba informed local media.
With the aid of the military, emergency evacuations are in progress in several of the most affected neighborhoods, including Mont-Amba, Salongo, and Ndanu.
Key roads were submerged, causing widespread power and water outages across multiple districts.
This flooding occurs amid escalating instability in the country, particularly with the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified assaults since the year began, resulting in over 7,000 fatalities and millions displaced in recent months.
The eastern DRC remains a conflict hotspot due to its abundant mineral resources, with numerous armed groups competing for control of coltan, tin, tantalum, and gold.
The United Nations reports that approximately one million individuals, including around 400,000 children, have been displaced since late January, a figure expected to rise as hostilities continue in North and South Kivu.
