Fatshimetry – Torrential Rains in Kinshasa: A Family Tragedy and Disastrous Consequences
The torrential rains that fell on Kinshasa left behind a wake of desolation and tragedy. In the Cuba district, in the commune of Ngaliema, an entire family was decimated when a common wall gave way under the pressure of rainwater, leading to the death of a mother and her seven children. This cruel loss highlights the extent of the damage caused by bad weather in the Congolese capital.
In addition to this terrible family tragedy, the floods also disrupted the daily life of the inhabitants of Kinshasa. Many Kinshasa residents struggled to travel due to flooded and muddy roads, while others were late for work due to the extreme weather conditions. The neighborhoods of Ngiri-Ngiri and Selembao were particularly affected, with streets transformed into veritable torrents of water and mud.
The situation has further worsened with the threat of cutting off Lumumba Boulevard at Nganda Musolo, between the communes of Nsele and Maluku, due to torrential rains. Local authorities have been mobilized to try to resolve this problem and prevent any further disasters.
At the same time, the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) finds itself increasingly isolated due to the advance of erosion heads caused by heavy rains. The roads leading to campus are impassable, with puddles and potholes that make driving difficult and even dangerous. Rehabilitation of roads and construction of water pipes have become urgent priorities to ensure accessibility to UNIKIN and ensure the safety of students and staff.
In short, recent events in Kinshasa remind us of the vulnerability of populations to the vagaries of the weather and highlight the need to invest in resilient and sustainable infrastructure to cope with the effects of climate change. It is imperative that local and national authorities take concerted action to prevent such disasters in the future and protect the lives and property of DRC citizens.