Heavy rains flood DR Congo capital, killing over 70

IANS April 15, 2025 189 views

Devastating floods have struck DR Congo's capital Kinshasa, resulting in 72 confirmed deaths and displacing over 5,000 residents. The disaster has impacted 11 health zones, with emergency shelters being established in city stadiums to support affected populations. Eastern provinces like Tanganyika and South Kivu are also reporting significant damage from the torrential rains. The country's health ministry is coordinating a multi-sectoral response to manage the humanitarian emergency amid continued rainfall forecasts.

"Emergency shelters have been established in city stadiums to support displaced residents" - Health Ministry Official
Kinshasa, April 15: Heavy rains and flooding have struck several provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the capital Kinshasa among the hardest hit, the Ministry of Health announced.

Key Points

1

Heavy rains trigger massive flooding in DR Congo capital

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11 health zones impacted with 72 fatalities

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Over 5,000 people displaced from their homes

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Continued rainfall threatens further destruction

According to the latest data, 11 health zones in Kinshasa have been impacted, with more than 5,000 people displaced. At least 72 people have died, and 170 others have been injured due to torrential rains and resulting floods, Xinhua news agency reported.

Tanganyika and South Kivu provinces, in the eastern part of the country, have also reported significant damage, with local authorities working to assess the full extent of the humanitarian needs.

Emergency shelters and care centers have been established in Kinshasa's stadiums. However, with the Stade des Martyrs, the country's biggest sports stadium, already hosting over 4,500 people, authorities have initiated a decongestion plan to transfer displaced residents to other venues.

The health ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral coordination and ensuring swift, targeted, and coordinated responses to both health and humanitarian emergencies.

Continued heavy rainfall has been forecast for the coming days, raising fears of further destruction in the city of 17 million, already vulnerable due to rapid and unregulated urban expansion.

The DRC's rainy season typically runs from November through May.

Reader Comments

M
Marie K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking đź’” The scale of displacement is staggering. We need more international attention on this crisis. Praying for all those affected.
J
Jean-Luc B.
The unregulated urban expansion mentioned here is a huge factor. Authorities need to take urban planning more seriously to prevent future tragedies like this.
A
Amina T.
My cousin lives in Kinshasa and says the situation is worse than reported. The stadiums are overcrowded and sanitation is becoming a major concern. More aid is urgently needed!
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Paul D.
While the emergency response seems organized, I wonder if more could have been done with early warning systems. Floods aren't unexpected during rainy season.
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Sophie M.
The resilience of Kinshasa's people is incredible. Saw videos of neighbors helping each other through the floods. Humanity at its best in worst times ❤️
T
Thomas G.
Climate change is making these seasonal rains more intense year after year. This isn't just a local issue - it's global. We all need to take responsibility.

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Tags:
DR Congo Floods Kinshasa Disaster Natural Disaster African Humanitarian Crisis Climate Emergency
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