Kinshasa Flooding (April 2025): Recent flooding wasn’t just due to rainfall but primarily urban mismanagement and inadequate drainage.
Causes of Kinshasa Flooding: Local rains, runoff from Congo Central Province, overwhelmed urban tributaries (Ndjili River, Lukaya).
Impact of Flooding: Deaths (at least 70), injuries (150), displacement (21,000+), healthcare disruption (73 facilities), and water/transport issues.
Recurrent Floods: Floods have become more frequent and devastating in DRC since late 2023, mirroring trends in neighboring countries.
Urban Growth: Kinshasa’s rapid population growth (estimated 17,778,500 in 2025) exacerbates flood risks, with infrastructure lagging.
Infrastructure Deficiencies: Drainage systems are blocked by waste, showcasing dysfunctional public services.
Two Flood Hazards: Kinshasa faces Congo River flooding (peaking in Dec/Jan) and urban floods from local rainfall (April/Dec). Urbanization worsens the latter.
Urban Expansion: City expansion into floodplains without infrastructure increases flood exposure. Sealed surfaces increase runoff.
Congo Basin Hotspot: Kinshasa is a flood hotspot in the Congo Basin due to its dual flood sources and extensive urbanization.
Eastern DRC Instability: Ongoing instability caused by the M23 armed group leads to mass displacement.
Mineral Wealth: DRC is rich in cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, and other minerals crucial for electronics and renewable energy.
