Sun Apr 06 16:30:51 UTC 2025: ## Kinshasa Floods Leave Dozens Dead, City in Chaos
**KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo** – Torrential rains have caused catastrophic flooding in Kinshasa, leaving at least 30 people dead and the city in a state of emergency. The Ndjili River, which bisects the capital, overflowed its banks on Friday night, submerging roads and trapping motorists.
Provincial Health Minister Patricien Gongo confirmed the death toll, stressing that the number is preliminary. Many fatalities were attributed to collapsing walls caused by the intense flooding. One resident, Patricia Mikonga, described spending the night trapped in her car after being unable to navigate the inundated roads.
The flooding has crippled infrastructure, plunging many neighborhoods into darkness and disrupting water supplies. Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki acknowledged damage to water infrastructure but promised restoration within days. He blamed illegal housing in some areas for exacerbating the death toll and warned of potential evictions from unplanned settlements.
Hydrologist Raphael Tshimanga Muamba attributed the severity of the flooding to human activities that have degraded the river over time, reducing its capacity to handle heavy rainfall.
The devastating floods come as the DRC grapples with ongoing conflict in the east, where M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have intensified attacks, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people. The combined effects of the natural disaster and ongoing instability are placing immense strain on the already vulnerable population of Kinshasa.
First Piper 