Flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed 33 lives and left hundreds trapped in their homes, with the government facing criticism for its slow response to the disaster.
The death toll from flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reached 33, with ten more people confirmed dead on Sunday.
The disaster has left hundreds of families trapped in their homes and caused significant damage to buildings.
Flooding began last week, causing the Ndjili River to overflow and submerge hundreds of buildings.
While the situation had improved by Monday morning, some access roads remained blocked and vehicular traffic was limited.
Many residents blamed the government for not responding quickly enough to the disaster.
The main road to the airport, which also links Kinshasa to the rest of Congo, was damaged by the flooding but is expected to be open to all traffic within 72 hours.
However, the flooding has also hampered access to drinking water in at least 16 communes after water facilities were affected.
The government has set up at least four emergency shelters that are catering to hundreds of displaced families across the city.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a complex and challenging environment when it comes to government response.
The country has faced numerous crises, including civil wars, Ebola outbreaks, and humanitarian emergencies.
In response, the government has established various institutions, such as the Ministry of Health and the National Disaster Management Committee, to coordinate relief efforts.
However, these efforts are often hindered by lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, and corruption.
According to a 2020 report by the 'United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA), only 35% of humanitarian funding needs were met in the DRC.
Officials have been working to evacuate those trapped by the floodwaters, with many residents expressing frustration and disappointment at the slow response.
In a statement, the Congolese interior ministry said that most of the fatalities were caused by walls that collapsed shortly after the deluge began.
The government is also providing support to affected families, including food, shelter, and medical assistance.
The flooding in Kinshasa is not an isolated incident.
In 2022, at least 100 people were killed during similar flooding in the city.
The Congo River basin is one of the most flood-prone regions in the world.
According to the United Nations, over 15 million people are affected by flooding each year.
In 2020, the Congo River reached its highest level since records began, causing widespread devastation and displacement.
The statistics are alarming: 75% of the population lives in areas at risk of flooding, with an average of 30,000 people displaced annually.
Climate change is a significant contributor to the increasing frequency and severity of floods.
The disaster comes as the government is battling a humanitarian crisis in the east of the country, which has been exacerbated by decades of fighting with rebels.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by a decades-long humanitarian crisis, fueled by conflict, poverty, and disease.
The country's eastern region is home to numerous rebel groups, including the M23, which has displaced over 4 million people since 2015.
Malnutrition, 'cholera' , and 'malaria' are rampant, with over 13 million Congolese in need of humanitarian assistance.
The crisis has also led to a severe shortage of food, clean water, and medical care.
According to UNICEF, over 1,000 children are killed or injured every day due to conflict-related violence.
The flooding in Kinshasa has significant implications for the global community, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that governments and aid organizations provide support to those affected by the disaster.
