At least 33 killed in one of Kinshasa’s worst floods in recent history, DR Congo

Torrential rain that started on Friday night caused the Ndjili River to overflow, leading to severe flooding in Kinshasa (population 17 million) and killing at least 33 people. The current flood ranks among the deadliest in the city’s recent history.

Low-lying districts, including Mont-Amba, Ndjili, and Masina, were the most affected, with submerged homes and reports of landslides. Authorities continue search operations in flooded areas and caution that the number of fatalities could increase.

The flooding has severely affected transportation, submerging major roads, including access routes to N’djili International Airport, a key hub for the city of 17 million residents. Emergency ferries are in operation to assist stranded individuals. Power and water outages have further disrupted services across the capital.

Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba activated a crisis unit on Saturday, April 5, deploying armed forces to evacuate vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. Forecasts of continued rain are complicating efforts to reach isolated communities.

The government has appealed for both national and international assistance as infrastructure continues to be overwhelmed. The United Nations and Red Cross are mobilizing supplies such as water, food, and medical kits, though deliveries are being delayed due to impassable roads. Hospitals report increasing risks of waterborne diseases.

Meteorologists forecast continued rainfall through mid-April, consistent with the November-to-May rainy season that regularly challenges Kinshasa’s drainage systems. The Congolese Weather Agency has advised residents near rivers to relocate temporarily.

Economic disruption is increasing, with blocked trade routes and inaccessible markets threatening livelihoods in Kinshasa, one of Africa’s largest cities. Officials estimate that repairing damaged roads and bridges may take weeks.

Local experts attribute the severity of the flooding to a combination of climate change and inadequate urban planning.

Relief operations are focusing on providing shelter and sanitation to thousands of displaced individuals, with temporary camps established outside Kinshasa. International donors are evaluating the extent of required assistance as the city prepares for a prolonged recovery.

References:

¹ At least 33 dead after heavy rains flood DR Congo’s capital – NEWS.AZ – April 7, 202

² Death toll rises to 33 as heavy rains flood Congo’s capital – Prokerala – April 7, 2025

³ At least 22 dead as heavy rains, flooding hit DR Congo’s capital – Global Times – April 7, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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