Flooding in Kinshasa Claims 33 Lives, Displaces Hundreds

Severe flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in at least 33 deaths and significant damage to infrastructure as torrential rains caused the Ndjili River to overflow. The Congolese Interior Ministry reported that many victims were trapped in collapsed buildings, with additional injuries leading to almost 50 people requiring hospital treatment. While floodwaters have begun to recede, access to many areas remains difficult, hampering rescue efforts and water supply in at least 16 communes. Local residents expressed frustration over the government's slow response, and emergency shelters have been established for those displaced. The city’s governor indicated that the disaster was exacerbated by poor construction practices, with many buildings failing to meet safety standards. This incident follows a pattern of flooding in the region, with similar events causing significant casualties in previous years.