Flooding caused by heavy rains has caused loss of life and extensive property damages and the destruction of critical infrastructure in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on the night of 12 to 13 December.
According to the Congolese authorities, at least 120 people died, nearly 39,000 households were flooded and at least 282 houses were destroyed, leaving many families homeless. The heavy rains also provoked landslides which destroyed a section of the road linking Kinshasa to the neighbouring province of Kongo Central. The Congolese authorities immediately began work to reopen the road, which is a major supply road for food and other essential goods, to prevent a rise in food prices in Kinshasa.
The Congolese Government has declared three days of national mourning, starting on 14 December. The Government has set up a commission chaired by the Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity to lead on the response to this crisis. A governmental team is conducting visits to the affected communes to evaluate the damage and related needs. The Congolese Red Cross has deployed volunteers to provide first aid and carry out rapid needs assessments. The international community has expressed its willingness to support the Government in responding to the needs of the affeced population.
Kinshasa joins a growing list of provinces affected by flooding since October 2022. Equateur, South Ubangi, North Ubangi, Mongala, Tshopo and Maniema have also reported loss of life, hundreds of homes destroyed, and farmland, schools and other infrastructure affected.
For more information:
Carla Martinez, Head of Office, OCHA-RDC, +243817061223, martinez14@un.org
Yvon Edoumou, Public Information Officer, +243819889136, edoumou@un.org