Fatshimetrie \- The disastrous consequences of torrential rain in Kinshasa
Rain, a natural element par excellence, has once again struck the city-province of Kinshasa, sowing death and destruction in its wake. Last Tuesday’s rainfall was a brutal reminder of the challenges facing the Congolese capital in terms of natural risk management. A tragedy unfolded in Maluku, Ndjili Brasseries and the Mikondo district in Nsele, where walls collapsed, causing the tragic death of a five-year-old girl.
The tragedy also spread to several other districts, with flooding and erosion reported, particularly in Selembao and the city center. These phenomena, which have unfortunately become recurrent, demonstrate the urgency of taking action to prevent risks related to bad weather in Kinshasa.
The consequences of these torrential rains are aggravated by factors such as unplanned construction and the lack of cleaning of gutters and watercourses. These issues, combined with climate change that amplifies the unpredictability of rainfall, highlight the need for more sustainable and resilient urban planning.
The case of Sikotra Lokali, in the commune of Nsele, poignantly illustrates the extent of the damage caused by the storms. More than 300 houses were completely flooded, leaving residents in a precarious and desperate situation. It is essential that local and national authorities take concrete measures to help these vulnerable populations and to prevent future disasters of this type.
In conclusion, the recent events in Kinshasa are a strong reminder of the urgent need to rethink natural risk management in the region. It is time to act in a coordinated manner, involving all stakeholders, to ensure the safety and well-being of the inhabitants of the Congolese capital in the face of the vagaries of the weather. Let us hope that these tragedies will serve as a catalyst for concrete and sustainable actions to prevent new disasters and build a more resilient future for all.