Heavy rains kill 29 in DR Congo’s capital

Deadly Floods Hit Congolese Capital: Unprecedented Heavy Rains Kill 29 in Kinshasa

KINSHASA, DR CONGO – At least 29 people died during weekend torrential rains in the capital Kinshasa, local authorities confirmed Monday, as unseasonal downpours triggered the city’s worst dry-season flooding in years.

Disaster Impact

• Record rainfall of 90mm – the highest in recent years during dry season – caused:

  • Road submersion and infrastructure collapse

  • Massive power/water outages across the metropolis

• Meteorological officials confirmed the rains defied seasonal norms in a country where November-May typically brings arid conditions.

Emergency Response

• Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba launched evacuations and temporary relocations for affected residents.

• Authorities urged citizens to boost disaster preparedness, warning of more imminent rainfall that could further endanger the 17-million-resident city.

Climate Anomaly Explained

While DR Congo’s dry season runs November through May, climate disruptions triggered these unprecedented rains. Experts highlight urgent needs:

1. Upgrading drainage systems in flood-prone zones

2. Implementing public safety protocols for extreme weather

Why This Matters:
This marks Kinshasa’s most severe dry-season flooding event, signaling escalating climate vulnerabilities in Central Africa.