Floods in Congo’s Capital Kill Around 30 People – Reuters Reports Human Activities Made it Worse
At least 30 people have died after severe floods hit Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), over the weekend. According to Reuters, the flooding was caused by torrential rain that destroyed roads, homes, and cut off power and water supplies in many parts of the city.
The Ndjili River, which flows through parts of Kinshasa (a city of around 17 million people), overflowed on Friday night, leaving major roads underwater and vehicles stranded. Many people couldn’t get home and had to spend the night inside their cars. One woman, Patricia Mikonga, told Reuters that she spent the whole night in her car because there was nowhere safe to park after picking up a friend from the airport.
🇨🇩 Power and Water Crisis Hits Kinshas
Many neighborhoods lost electricity, and in places like Makala district, residents also suffered from a lack of clean water. According to Reuters, the city’s Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki admitted that the water system was badly affected but promised the water supply would return in two or three days.
In a speech shown on TV, the governor also said that some of the deaths were caused by people living in illegal or unplanned housing areas. He warned that people living in such settlements might face evictions soon.
🌊 A Man-Made Problem?
Experts say this kind of disaster is not just natural—it’s also caused by human actions. Dr. Raphael Tshimanga Muamba, a top hydrologist, told Reuters that the shape and size of rivers like the Ndjili have been changed by people over time. As a result, these rivers can no longer handle heavy rains like they used to.
“These are human-caused problems,” said Dr. Muamba. “The rivers have been changed so much that they can no longer hold all the rainwater, which leads to flooding.”
🔥 Trouble All Around for Congo
This disaster comes at a terrible time for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is already facing serious violence in its eastern region. According to Reuters, rebels supported by Rwanda, known as M23, have been attacking areas in the east since the start of the year. Over 7,000 people have already died due to fighting in just the first two months of 2025.
🌍 Unique Perspective: A Climate and City Planning Wake-Up Call
This flood in Kinshasa, as explained by Reuters, shows how poor city planning, climate change, and human carelessness can combine to create deadly disasters. When cities grow too fast without proper planning, and rivers are altered or blocked by buildings and waste, the result is often flooding and loss of life.
This isn’t just about bad weather. It’s a reminder for cities everywhere—especially in fast-growing places like Kinshasa—to plan better, protect natural waterways, and prepare for climate disasters. Leaders must act fast, not just to clean up after floods but to prevent them in the first place.
Source: Story based on reports from Reuters, a trusted global news agency. For more updates on African news, global disasters, and climate impact, follow us and keep visiting our website.