** Kinshasa: The torrential rains of the night from April 4 to 5 reveal structural weaknesses and amplify climatic issues **
The Congolese capital, Kinshasa, was struck by torrential rains on the night of April 4 to 5, tragically causing the death of at least 20 people. Local media, including Fatshimetrics, report that vulnerable infrastructure has given up under water pressure, pushing the authorities to react to a crisis that is both humanitarian and environmental.
However, the collapse of buildings and floods are not isolated incidents. They highlight a series of systemic problems rooted in rapid urbanization and shortcomings in terms of sustainable urban planning, exacerbated by climate change which appears more and more inevitable. The chief of division within the National Meteorology and Satellite remote sensing agency, Augustin Tagisabo, has already expressed his concerns about the frequency of these bad weather, exacerbated by a lack of preparation and adequate infrastructure.
### Unprecedented urbanization: an explosive cocktail
The acceleration of urbanization in Kinshasa has caused considerable pressure on existing infrastructure. Currently, the city has more than 12 million inhabitants, and its population growth rate is among the fastest in the world. Unfortunately, this dynamic has often been initiated without an adequate development framework. The emergence of unregulated constructions, often built on flooding areas, poses a major risk.
Studies carried out by urban planning researchers at the University of Kinshasa stress that more than 60 % of the capital’s neighborhoods are in risky areas. This situation is particularly worrying when it is observed that weather forecasts suggest more thunderstorms and rains for the coming weeks.
## Social and economic consequences
The consequences of these bad weather are not limited to human losses. The destruction of properties, roads and other vital infrastructure causes significant economic repercussions. Indeed, the predictions argue that economic losses could reach millions of dollars, thus aggravating poverty already omnipresent in several districts of Kinshasa.
Families affected, especially those who have lost dear beings in collapses, have to face expensive repairs, income loss and increased medical expenses for the injured. The social fabric of the city, already fragile, is more weakened by trauma linked to these tragic events.
### Insufficient institutional response
Faced with this tragedy, the authorities still seem hesitant. Tagisabo calls to identify flooding areas reflect an urgent need for proactive action. But the questions raised go beyond emergency interventions. Integrated and sustainable urban planning remains essential to prevent future disasters. Many actors, ranging from civil society organizations to municipalities, must actively involve local communities in the implementation of sustainable solutions.
The lack of reliable meteorological data also raises concerns about the ability of populations to prepare adequately. Experts call for an improved data collection system, based on the use of modern remote sensing and climate modeling technologies.
### towards climate resilience
It becomes crucial to provide long -term solutions to combat the effects of climate change. This could go through the implementation of green infrastructure projects, such as improved drainage systems or allowable green spaces, which could make it possible to absorb precipitation and reduce runoff. Successful examples of other African cities, such as Addis Ababa or Nairobi, show that an integrated approach is not only necessary but also achievable.
While Kinshasa engages in a more rainy period, every hour and every day count to provide immediate support and plan the future. The development of an early alert culture and disaster preparation must be an integral part of the political and community agenda.
It is time for Kinshasa to invest in resilience in the face of extreme climatic events, a challenge which, if it is not taken up, risks hindering the progress of future generations and perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability and suffering. The question remains: is the Congolese capital ready to reinvent itself to deal with these improper challenges?