At least 19 people have lost their lives following widespread flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, after relentless rains swept through several districts, causing landslides and extensive property damage. Authorities confirmed the fatalities and the destruction on Saturday.
The downpour, which began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning, hit hardest in the western neighborhood of Ngaliema. Local mayor Fulgence Bolokome reported that at least 17 residents died as floodwaters surged through the area, triggering landslides that swept away homes and infrastructure. Major roads in the area were rendered impassable, cutting off movement and emergency response efforts.
In Lemba, a neighborhood in the southern part of the city, two additional deaths were reported. According to Mayor Jean-Serge Poba, a wall collapsed under the weight of the floodwater, killing a couple. The collapse also damaged a nearby police camp and a bridge, further straining the city’s already fragile infrastructure.
Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying events of the night. A resident of Lemba, described being jolted awake in the early hours. “It was around 3 a.m. when we heard a loud noise. We rushed outside and saw that our neighbors’ wall had fallen. Tragically, the husband and wife didn’t survive. Their five children were rescued and are safe,” the resident told reporters.
This is not the first time Kinshasa has been overwhelmed by deadly flooding. In April, a similar disaster claimed at least 22 lives and left much of the city paralyzed, including roads leading to the main airport. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the capital’s vulnerability to extreme weather, exacerbated by rapid urban growth, poor drainage systems, and unregulated construction in high-risk zones.
Officials have yet to release a full assessment of the damage, but early reports indicate widespread destruction to homes, roads, and public facilities. Emergency services continue to search for survivors and provide assistance to those displaced by the floods.
As the city begins cleanup efforts, calls are growing for better urban planning, improved infrastructure, and enhanced disaster preparedness to prevent future tragedies.