Death toll from flooding in Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital rises to 43

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – The number of people confirmed dead from flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa has risen to 43, authorities announced Tuesday, as the government made efforts to provide relief to thousands displaced.

Most of the fatalities in the overnight Friday to Saturday disaster were caused by collapsing walls or drowning.

The disaster occurred after the Ndjili River burst its banks, triggering flooding and landslides in the capital and several neighborhoods after heavy downpours.

A statement from the Interior and Security Ministry said the latest report shows that 43 people were killed while 46 others who were injured remain hospitalized at various health facilities.

It added that nearly 3,000 people displaced by the disaster are sheltering at various temporary sites.

The communes bordering the Ndjili River were the most impacted by the heavy flooding, including Ndjili and Masina.

Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said even when residents living in high risk zones resisted relocation previously, displaced citizens will no longer be able to return to live in their damaged homes to avoid possible similar consequences in the future.

He said that President Felix Tshisekedi has stressed the need for sustainable housing in the capital.

Flooding regularly affects Kinshasa. In 2022, at least 100 people were killed during similar flooding in the capital.