Flood Chaos in Kinshasa: 43 Dead, 46 Hospitalized, Over 4000 Homeless
Catastrophic floods in Kinshasa leave 33 people deceased
Heavy rainfall and flooding have wreaked havoc in Kinshasa, the bustling Congolese capital, claiming at least 43 lives as of the latest reports on Sunday evening. The Ministry of the Interior of the Democratic Republic of Congo expects the death toll to rise as rescue services have yet to reach all affected areas of the city with 17 million inhabitants [2].
Hospital backing descends upon nearly 50 flood victims, with many struggling for life. Several areas in Kinshasa have suffered the brunt of the disaster, having experienced disruptions in their drinking water supply, and seeing hundreds of houses submerged as the Ndjili River overflowed early Saturday following days of relentless rain.
Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki points to unauthorized construction as the culprit behind the severe flooding. Buildings either too close to the river or with structural imperfections have contributed to the calamity. In response, the government has taken action, relocating homeless families to stadiums and other shelters [2].
As the situation continues to evolve, there are signs of hope. By Monday morning, the relieving situation shows that several neighborhoods have managed to shake off the floodwaters. The Congolese airport has regained accessibility, resuming its operations. However, the strain on the city remains, with several neighborhoods still underwater.
In the midst of the crisis, the DRC President, Felix Tshisekedi, visited a temporary shelter to offer words of encouragement and support for the victims [2]. The situation at hand unfolds amidst concerns about the vulnerability to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Efforts are being made to emphasize public awareness campaigns and improve hygiene practices and waste management [2].
The floods have ravaged about 30,000 homes, also affecting 42 schools and 73 health facilities. Repair work is currently underway, with efforts to restore full water and electricity services ongoing [2]. However, the city faces ongoing challenges in completely restoring its services.
References:[1] ntv.de, dpa[2] Enrichment Data from additional sources.
- Despite the devastating effects of the floods in Kinshasa, there is some improvement emerging with several neighborhoods managing to shed their floodwaters by Monday morning.
- The Commission, which has been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, might consider examining the potential hazards associated with waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever in the wake of the Kinshasa floods, as the city currently faces vulnerability to these diseases.
- WhatsApp messaging has likely been instrumental for expediting communication among local authorities, aid organizations, and volunteers, helping to coordinate rescue efforts and support for those affected by the flooding in Kinshasa. The platform may prove valuable in disseminating public health advisories and emergency instructions to help the city cope with the ongoing challenges as it works to restore its services and minimize the risk of waterborne diseases.
