A young child has lost their life in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains.
The incident occurred on Saturday when rivers, canals, and sewers overflowed, inundating roads in the city’s industrial district.
While the overall damage was deemed “marginal” compared to initial forecasts, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba confirmed the tragic loss of a two-year-old child near the Kalamu River.
He urged residents to refrain from discarding waste into waterways, as it exacerbates the risk of flooding.
Kinshasa, a city of 17 million people, is notorious for its large piles of rubbish and rivers choked with plastic waste.
Governor Bumba acknowledged the impact of climate change but emphasized the importance of preventative measures to mitigate its effects.
Heavy rainfall and flooding in the Congolese capital have a history of deadly consequences, with a previous disaster in November 2019 claiming the lives of approximately 40 individuals.
Bumba emphasized the significance of effective flood management strategies, even in highly developed cities.