Congo River peaks at 60-year record, causing massive casualties in DRC and Congo Republic

The Congo River has surged to its highest level in over six decades, unleashing devastating floods in both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Congo Republic. The floods have claimed more than 300 lives in recent months and affected hundreds of thousands of households.

The Congo River has risen to 6.20 m (20.34 feet) above sea level as of January 10, 2024, nearing the record high of 6.26 m (20.54 feet) set in 1961. This surge has resulted in widespread flooding throughout the DRC and the Congo Republic, causing significant human and property losses.

In the DRC, the impact has been particularly severe in the northeastern region and the capital, Kinshasa. Heavy rainfall has led to floods and flash floods, resulting in at least 300 fatalities and affecting nearly 300 000 households. Kinshasa, densely populated and situated along the riverbanks, has seen several neighborhoods inundated, with tens of thousands of houses destroyed.

The neighboring Congo Republic is also grappling with the crisis. Unusually heavy rainfall has led to flooding that requires urgent humanitarian assistance for over 336 000 people. Health facilities and schools have been damaged, and vast areas of farmland submerged.

According to the WHO, the floods have destroyed or damaged 34 health facilities, 120 schools and more than 64 000 houses in the affected areas. 

The capital, Brazzaville, facing Kinshasa across the river, is among the eight departments severely affected, with at least 17 reported fatalities and over 60 000 households impacted.

Experts indicate that the current rainfall in the region is twice the average of the 2022–2023 season. The Ubangi River, a significant tributary of the Congo River, has reached unprecedented levels. In both countries, the floods have resulted in the destruction or damage of numerous health facilities, schools, and homes, escalating the need for humanitarian aid.

Health risks in the affected areas are mounting, with potential outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.

The situation also poses threats to maternal and child health nutrition, increases the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, and exacerbates food insecurity. The continuity of care for chronic diseases and mental health support remains a critical concern.

References:

¹ Hundreds dead as Congo River basin submerged by generational floods – Reuters – January 11, 2024

² Supporting flood emergency response in Congo – WHO – January 12, 2024

³ Democratic Republic of the Congo – Floods – DG ECHO – January 12, 2024

Featured image: CGTN Africa (stillshot)