77 killed, over 100 missing after severe storms capsize boats and cause flash floods in DR Congo
Heavy rainfall affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo from June 14 to 16, 2025, caused severe flash floods in Kinshasa and capsized boats on Lake Tumba in Equateur Province, resulting in at least 77 fatalities and over 100 people missing.
Flooding in Kinshasa on June 14, 2025. Credit: MJPE-RDC
Heavy rainfall between June 14 and 16 led to multiple extreme weather-related disasters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including fatal flash floods in Kinshasa and boat accidents on Lake Tumba in Equateur Province. At least 77 people have been confirmed dead, and over 100 remain missing.
In the capital city of Kinshasa, heavy rains caused rapid flooding and landslides in communes including Ngaliema, Lemba, Masina, and Matete. Reports confirmed at least 29 casualties so far, with infrastructure damage across residential neighborhoods, public buildings, and a local police camp.
Moreover, storms on Lake Tumba led to the sinking of three packed wooden boats in DRC’s Equateur Province. Recovery teams have found 48 bodies, about 107 people are still missing. Around 50 survivors are being treated medically.
Authorities have mobilized emergency response units to assist survivors and recover bodies. Kinshasa’s local governments have initiated evacuation measures and deployed temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Search operations are still ongoing in Equateur, hindered by stormy weather and the remote location of the lake.
Boat travel on rivers and lakes remains a common mode of transport in the DRC, but is frequently hampered by safety lapses, overloading, and lack of proper regulation. Both disasters show how seasonal rain keeps exposing weak infrastructure in the DRC. Deadly boat accidents and urban floods remain a major challenge for the country’s emergency response.
References:
1 Congo death toll hits 77 after extreme weather brings floods and sinks boats, 107 remain missing – AP News – June 16, 2025
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