Deadly Kinshasa flooding kills at least 22 as river overflows after heavy rain

Ndjili River bursts its banks, triggering landslides and collapse of homes in Congo’s capital.

A man lies on top of a car to stay safe as floodwaters cover a road following heavy rains in the Ndjili district of Kinshasa on April 6, 2025. Torrential downpours in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital have killed around 30 people and caused widespread destruction, an official said on April 6. Photo by Hardy Bope/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

At least 22 people were killed in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, after the Ndjili River burst its banks and caused severe flooding over the weekend. The flooding followed heavy and continuous rainfall, leading to landslides and structural collapses across residential areas of the city.

Governor Daniel Bumba confirmed the rising death toll, stating that the majority of victims died either from drowning or due to the collapse of walls and homes weakened by the flooding.

“Initial reports indicate 22 people have died and many others have been injured. The situation remains critical in some communities, but evacuations are ongoing,” Bumba said at a press briefing on Sunday.

Wall collapses and landslides claim lives

One of the deadliest incidents reported occurred in the Matadi Kibala neighborhood, where six members of a single family were killed when the wall of their house collapsed due to the softened, unstable ground. In other areas, floodwaters rose quickly and trapped people inside their homes, leaving little time for escape. Many of the fatalities resulted from drowning or injuries caused by falling structures.

Governor Bumba said the government is doing everything possible to bring emergency aid and restore public services. He urged residents to stay calm as the situation is brought under control.

“Emergency efforts are underway. We appeal to all residents to remain calm. Road access, including the main route to the airport, will be restored soon,” he added. He further estimated that the main highway to N'djili International Airport would reopen within 72 hours after being blocked by the floods.

Government mobilizes in response

Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya also responded on social media platform X, saying that the central and provincial authorities were coordinating efforts to support those affected and mitigate the damage caused by the torrential rain.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives. We are actively working to handle this disaster and help the survivors,” Muyaya wrote.

The government’s quick response includes search and rescue operations, medical assistance to the injured, and the provision of temporary shelters for displaced families. According to local reports, dozens of homes were destroyed in low-lying areas, leaving residents with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Recurring tragedy in Kinshasa

Flooding is a recurring nightmare in Kinshasa. The city of nearly 15 million people lies in a basin surrounded by hills, which makes it particularly vulnerable to seasonal rainstorms. Poor urban planning, weak drainage systems, and uncontrolled housing construction have only made matters worse.

In 2022, a similar flood event killed nearly 100 people. Despite public outcry and promises of reform, little has been done to improve the capital’s flood resilience. Environmental experts have long warned that without better infrastructure and planning, disasters like this will continue to claim lives.

According to Kinshasa-based urban development analyst Marc Ilunga, the floods reflect a deep failure in public infrastructure. “This tragedy highlights the critical need for investment in proper drainage, zoning laws, and housing regulation. We cannot continue to let lives be lost every time it rains heavily,” he said.

Residents mourn and demand answers

In several neighborhoods, grieving residents gathered to mourn lost loved ones and assess the damage to their homes. Some carried what belongings they could salvage through muddy streets, while others waited for emergency workers to arrive.

“I lost my sister and two of her children. Their house was swept away. There was nothing we could do,” said Aline Mukendi, a resident of the Selembao district, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Others expressed frustration at what they see as the government’s lack of preparedness. “Every year we suffer. Every year people die. When will they fix the drains and protect us?” asked local trader Jean-Claude Mbayo.

Weather forecasts signal continued risk

Meteorologists have warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding. Authorities have urged residents living near rivers and hillsides to evacuate if possible, and to stay alert for weather updates and official guidance.

The Congo River Basin, which includes the Ndjili River, frequently experiences seasonal flooding. But climate change has intensified rainfall patterns in recent years, causing more frequent and extreme weather events in Central Africa.

Environmental agencies have called on the government to adopt urgent climate adaptation strategies and invest in infrastructure that can withstand heavy rains. “Climate change is not a future problem. It is happening now. Kinshasa is proof of what happens when urban planning ignores nature,” said environmentalist Grace Mbuta from the Congolese Institute for Sustainable Development.

Rebuilding and recovery

As Kinshasa begins to recover from yet another natural disaster, attention will turn toward rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure. Aid organizations, churches, and local NGOs have begun mobilizing food, water, and medical supplies to help survivors.

In a televised statement on Sunday night, Governor Bumba promised long-term solutions. “We will not only rebuild, but we will also implement new measures to protect our communities. This tragedy must be the last of its kind,” he vowed.

However, skepticism remains high among the public. Many Kinshasa residents say they’ve heard similar promises after past disasters but have seen little change. They are now hoping this tragedy will finally push leaders to act decisively.

The deadly Kinshasa flooding kills at least 22 as river overflows after heavy rain, laying bare the urgent need for infrastructural reform, climate resilience, and government accountability. As bodies are buried and communities mourn, the people of Kinshasa are once again left to rebuild in the aftermath of a disaster that was predictable—and preventable.

For now, the focus remains on rescue, relief, and recovery. But in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on whether this disaster leads to real change or becomes another forgotten headline in a city all too familiar with loss.