KINSHASA, Congo — Intense flooding has devastated numerous neighborhoods within the capital of Congo, Kinshasa, leading to the tragic loss of at least 19 lives and inflicting considerable damage, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday.
Heavy precipitation over the course of Friday and Saturday incited flooding and landslides in Ngaliema, a district in the western part of Kinshasa. This resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, as reported by Fulgence Bolokome, the area’s mayor, on local radio. Moreover, two principal roads in the city have been obstructed by the consequences of the storm.
In the southern district of Lemba, an ensuing deluge toppled a wall, tragically claiming the lives of two more people, according to Mayor Jean-Serge Poba. Additionally, a police facility and a bridge sustained damage from the extreme weather.
“At about 3 a.m., we were startled by a loud crash. Upon investigating, we discovered the neighboring wall had collapsed. Unfortunately, both the man and his wife perished, leaving behind five children who thankfully survived,” recounted Clovis Kalenga, a local resident, recounting the ordeal.
This occurrence echoes a previous instance in April where severe flooding in Kinshasa resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, cutting off more than half the city and obstructing access to the nation’s main airport.