At least 29 people were killed over the weekend by heavy rains in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local authorities said Monday.
Unusual downpours in the dry season caused major damage in the city, flooding roads, crippling infrastructure and triggering widespread power and water outages.
Evacuation and temporary resettlement efforts were underway, said Kinshasa governor Daniel Bumba, who also urged locals to enhance disaster awareness and take preventive measures.
Although the country is currently in its dry season, Unseasonal Rains hit 90 millimeters, the highest for this time of year in recent years, local media quoted meteorological authorities as saying. The DRC’s rainy season typically runs from November through May.
Heavy rains are projected to continue in the days ahead and could cause further damage to the city of 17 million.
Dramatic and Unexpected Development: Torrential Unseasonal Rains Hit Kinshasa During Dry Season!
Over the weekend, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, experienced heavy rainfall despite being in the dry season. These intense rains triggered a severe humanitarian disaster as the Injili River overflowed, causing massive floods and a wave of random fatalities. Authorities announced that 29 people were killed, in addition to widespread destruction of infrastructure and disruption of electricity and water networks.
1. Why Are These Unseasonal Rains an Exceptional Event?
Dry Season and Rainfall Levels: Kinshasa is normally in its dry season from June to October. Therefore, receiving 90 millimeters of rain is a rare and unexpected event.
Climate Statistics: Meteorological experts note that this rainfall level is the highest in many years and link it to global climate change.
2. Victims of the Kinshasa Disaster
2.1 Death Toll
29 people died due to the floods, with dozens more injured, according to local authorities.
These figures were reported by Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba, who described the incident as a “severe blow” to the capital.
2.2 Affected Population
Dozens of neighborhoods were affected, especially low-lying and informal settlements.
Many families lost their homes or were severely affected, forcing them to live temporarily in shelters and field hospitals.
3. Infrastructure Under Strain Due to Unseasonal Rains in
Kinshasa
3.1 Collapse of Mud Buildings
The heavy rains caused sudden collapses, especially in houses made of brick and mud.
Major roads were severely affected, and bridges and water facilities sustained damage.
3.2 Water and Electricity Outages
Electricity was cut off in vast areas, and water networks were also disrupted.
These outages worsened the humanitarian crisis, threatening residents’ lives, especially amid heat and disease outbreaks.
3.3 Traffic Paralysis
Water accumulated in the streets, turning the city into what looked like a huge lake.
Long queues of vehicles stretched for tens of kilometers; the international airport was damaged by floods near the runways.
4. Emergency and Relief Efforts
4.1 Temporary Evacuations and Emergency Housing
Civil defense teams and police attended and carried out rescue operations, especially in affected areas.
Some families were relocated to schools and cultural centers functioning as temporary shelters.
4.2 Repairing Vital Infrastructure
Electricity and water service teams began repairing generation and distribution networks.
Authorities enlisted construction experts to clean drainage systems and clear roads.
5. Officials’ Warnings and Awareness Recommendations
5.1 Government Statements
Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba urged citizens to enhance their awareness of disaster risks.
He emphasized the importance of improving emergency plans and infrastructure to prevent repeat disasters.
5.2 Environmental Experts’ Statements
Renowned hydrologist Professor Raphaël Tshimanga warned that uncontrolled urban expansion increased flood risks by reducing riverbeds’ capacity to absorb heavy rainfall.
6. Climate and Environmental Analysis
Climate change and shifting rainfall patterns have increased the likelihood of unseasonal floods.
Population pressure and urban growth have reduced natural surfaces and increased drainage pipes that are inadequate for such water volumes.
7. Strategic Recommendations for Future Prevention
7.1 Developing Drainage and Water Systems
There is a need to build culverts and proper drainage in low-lying areas.
Enhancing rainwater flow monitoring and updating emergency plans is essential.
7.2 Installing Early Warning Systems
Use smart monitoring technologies linking weather stations with civil defense.
Maintain regular communication with residents to warn of potential disasters.
7.3 Effective Urban Planning
Ban informal construction near rivers.
Create public parks to absorb water and enhance natural ventilation.
7.4 Increasing Community Awareness
Conduct media campaigns on radio and social networks.
Partner with schools and local associations to educate children about flood safety.
8. Impact of Flooding on Daily Life
Schools suspended lessons to ensure student safety.
Markets were damaged and forced to operate partially.
Health services saw a rise in respiratory and skin diseases due to stagnant, contaminated water.
9. Unseasonal Rains -Comparison with Previous Water Disasters:
Experts recall that the 2019 floods were less severe, causing only 12 deaths.
Recent floods have revealed weaknesses in political preparedness and urban planning.
Do you think African city governments are taking enough measures to tackle the increasing floods? Share your opinion and readiness in the comments, and don’t forget to follow our site to receive all the latest urgent updates on natural disasters worldwide
The post Heavy rains kill 29 in DR Congo’s capital appeared first on CGTN Africa.
