Devastating Floods Hit Kinshasa: 30 Dead and Widespread Destruction as Ndjili River Overflows
Severe flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has left at least 30 people dead and caused widespread destruction. Torrential rains led to the overflow of the Ndjili River on the night of April 5, 2025, submerging roads and neighborhoods in the densely populated city of nearly 17 million residents.Provincial Health Minister Patricien Gongo confirmed that the death toll was still provisional, with many fatalities attributed to collapsing walls. Authorities have evacuated numerous wounded residents. Some survivors, like Patricia Mikonga, recounted their harrowing experiences, including spending the night in their cars due to the lack of safe shelter.Governor Daniel Bumba pointed to illegal housing as a significant factor exacerbating the disaster and warned that evictions could be implemented in unplanned settlements. Hydrologist Raphael Tshimanga also noted that human activity, such as poor river management, has worsened […]
