Devastating Floods and Landslides Hit Kinshasa: At Least 29 Dead

In mid-June 2025, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), experienced devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains, resulting in at least 29 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage. The Ngaliema neighborhood was particularly hard-hit, with 17 deaths attributed to landslides on its hilly slopes. Other affected areas included Lemba, where a collapsed wall killed two people, and Matete and Masina, where approximately 600 homes were submerged.

The torrential rains caused significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of bridges and homes, and disrupted transportation by severing major avenues such as Avenue Tourisme and Route de Matadi. Water treatment facilities along the N’djili and Lukaya rivers were overwhelmed, leading to severe disruptions in potable water supply across Kinshasa.

Kinshasa's rapid urbanization has been a contributing factor to the severity of the flooding. The city's population has grown to nearly 18 million, with an annual increase of 4.4%. Approximately 60% of residents live in informal settlements, often located in floodplains or on unstable hillsides. This rapid and unregulated urban expansion has outpaced the development of essential infrastructure, increasing the city's vulnerability to flooding.

The city's drainage infrastructure, remnants from the colonial era, serves less than 20% of Kinshasa and is frequently clogged with the 7,000 tons of rubbish produced daily. This lack of maintenance and coverage has transformed heavy rains into lethal disasters.

Climate change is also expected to intensify extreme weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. The city's existing infrastructure is ill-suited to handle such events, exacerbating the impact on residents.

In response to the disaster, the Congolese government dispatched a delegation to coordinate humanitarian aid and initiated rebuilding efforts in Kinshasa. Authorities are also focusing on enhancing disaster prevention and community resilience to better handle future emergencies. This includes drafting a new law on the DRC's town planning and construction code to reduce flood exposure.

Kinshasa has experienced several severe flooding events in recent years. In April 2025, floods resulted in at least 70 deaths and displaced more than 21,000 people. In December 2022, heavy rains led to the deaths of at least 169 people and affected over 38,000 homes.

The floods have displaced thousands of residents, many of whom now lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. The destruction of infrastructure and homes has significant economic implications, particularly for those in informal settlements who may lack the resources to rebuild. The disruption of major transportation routes also affects trade and daily commerce.

The recent flooding in Kinshasa underscores the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure development. Addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change is essential to prevent future disasters and protect the city's residents.