DR Congo Floods: Kinshasa In Turmoil As Congo River Nears Record Levels.

By Caroline Ameh

In a serious turn of events, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is grappling with widespread chaos as floods inundate the city. The overflowing Congo River, coursing through a significant part of the country, has surged to its highest level in six decades, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The toll on human life has been staggering, with over 300 reported deaths in the past months, according to officials.

Residents in Kinshasa shared harrowing stories with the media, describing how homes, schools, hospitals, and churches have been swept away by the relentless deluge.
Jonas Mungindami lamented the loss of everything, stating, “I had lived here with my relatives… I have lost everything.” Denise Tuzola, similarly affected, revealed that her house is now submerged, leaving no place for children to attend school or the community to gather for worship.

Kinshasa, already accustomed to periodic flooding, is facing an unprecedented crisis this year, as the Congo River inches close to a record level not witnessed since 1961. The city’s intricate network of small rivers and streams, often serving as open sewers, has exacerbated the situation.

Residents are resorting to unconventional means of transportation, navigating the submerged roads via canoe, while some brave individuals wade through thigh-level water.

The Rivers and Waterways Management Agency (RVF) had issued a warning in late December, anticipating “exceptional flooding” around the Kinshasa area due to heavy rains.

Beyond Kinshasa, provinces like Mongala and Ituri had already experienced severe flooding. In the city of Kisangani, upstream from Kinshasa, over 200 houses have been submerged, adding to the widespread devastation.

The impact extends beyond national borders, affecting Congo-Brazzaville, with more than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities grappling with the aftermath, as reported by the World Health Organization.

Climate change is identified as a contributing factor to the intensified flooding, as a warming atmosphere increases the likelihood of extreme rainfall. The situation mirrors a devastating flood just over a year ago in Kinshasa, which claimed the lives of more than 120 people.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters in the region