KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — At least 29 people were killed over the weekend in Kinshasa after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said the overnight downpours between Friday and Saturday severely impacted multiple communes in the capital, including Ngaliema, Masina, Lemba, and Matete.
In one tragic incident in Lemba, a couple died when a landslide struck their home. Several bridges in the Kalamu area were destroyed, cutting off major traffic routes and complicating emergency response efforts.
“The rains caused landslides and flooding, destroying homes and damaging roads. Families spent the night outside because their homes were completely flooded,” Governor Bumba told reporters.
Emergency crews have launched evacuation and temporary resettlement operations for those displaced. The governor also issued a call for national solidarity and pledged government support for affected families.
Meteorological officials reported that the city received 90 millimeters of rainfall, marking one of the highest recorded levels for this period in recent years. More rain is forecast in the coming days.
Bumba urged residents living in high-risk areas to take precautions and, if necessary, relocate to safer zones to prevent further loss of life.
This weekend’s fatalities come just two months after over 40 people were killed in Kinshasa during another episode of torrential rain in April, highlighting the city’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
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