22 killed by floods in DR Congo's capital after heavy rains

KIGALI, Rwanda

At least 22 people have been confirmed dead in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's capital, after a river burst, causing severe flooding following heavy rains over the weekend, according to an official on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said the majority of the fatalities—reported between late Friday night and Saturday—were the result of collapsing walls and drowning.

The Ndjili River overflowed its banks, causing flooding and landslides in several neighborhoods following heavy rains.

"Preliminary reports indicate that 22 people died and many were injured. The situation remains critical in several communes, but evacuations are ongoing," Bumba said.

Noting that emergency interventions were underway, the governor urged Kinshasa residents to remain calm and promised a rapid improvement in traffic.

According to local media, six members of a single family were killed in Matadi Kibala when a wall collapsed on them.

Earlier, flooding submerged the main road leading to the airport, but the governor said efforts were underway to reopen it within 72 hours.

Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya wrote on X that the central and provincial governments are working hard to deal with the aftermath of the torrential rains.

Kinshasa is regularly affected by flooding. In 2022, approximately 100 people were killed during similar flooding in the capital.