At least 33 fatalities have been reported as torrential rains create chaos in Kinshasa, prompting a government response and raising concerns about climate adaption.
**Tragedy in Kinshasa: Floods Claim Lives Amid Climate Crisis**
**Tragedy in Kinshasa: Floods Claim Lives Amid Climate Crisis**
Desperate floods in the Congolese capital leave a trail of destruction and death.
At least 33 people have died in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following devastating torrential rains that led to severe flooding over the weekend. President Félix Tshisekedi has expressed his condolences, stating, "The republic will not abandon you," and convened a government crisis meeting to address the ongoing disaster.
Residents of Kinshasa, which is home to 17 million people, are grappling with rising waters, with many trying desperately to escape by wading, swimming, or using makeshift canoes. The city is situated along the Congo River, which recently reached its highest water level in six decades, exacerbating the flooding situation.
About half of Kinshasa's 26 districts have been impacted, particularly the city's poorer areas and outskirts. Local authorities have mobilized search and rescue teams, but many residents have voiced frustration over the slow response from governments. Christophe Bola, a resident of the Ndanu area, described the alarming situation: "The water has reached 1.5 meters high. We managed to save ourselves, but others are still trapped in their homes."
Additionally, the floods have disrupted the city’s water supply, as treatment facilities have also been affected. Key roads connecting the capital to the international airport and the main port of Matadi are currently impassable. Reports indicate that the N'djili River, known for its pollution issues, has overflowed, trapping numerous residents in its vicinity.
With more heavy rains forecasted in the coming weeks, residents and officials alike are bracing for further challenges. The national meteorological agency warns of potential storms in various regions of the country, including the eastern city of Goma, which has its troubles with rebel forces this year. As Kinshasa faces this calamity, concerns regarding infrastructure and climate preparedness remain urgent.
