Kinshasa, Congo — Severe flooding in Kinshasa has claimed the lives of at least 30 people after the Ndjili River burst its banks, submerging homes and displacing thousands. The disaster has sparked urgent calls for improved drainage infrastructure and rapid humanitarian response as families mourn and entire neighborhoods remain waterlogged. With climate change intensifying weather extremes, Kinshasa’s vulnerability underscores the need for regional and international support in building climate-resilient cities in Africa

Severe flooding triggered by torrential rains has wreaked havoc in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 30 people and causing widespread destruction. The Kinshasa overflowed late Friday, submerging roads and neighborhoods in the city of nearly 17 million residents.

Provincial Health Minister Patricien Gongo described the death toll as “provisional,” noting that most fatalities resulted from collapsing walls.

“There are many wounded who have been evacuated,” he added. Residents like Patricia Mikonga recounted harrowing experiences: “We spent the night in our car because there was no safe place to park.”

Governor Daniel Bumba blamed illegal housing for exacerbating the disaster and warned of potential evictions in unplanned settlements. He assured residents that damaged water infrastructure would be repaired within days. Hydrologist Raphael Tshimanga highlighted human activity’s role in degrading rivers, reducing their capacity to contain floods.

The disaster compounds challenges for a country already grappling with instability in its eastern regions, where conflict has displaced in recent months.