Deadly Flooding Hits Kinshasa as Unusual Dry Season Rains Leave 29 Dead
June 16, 2025 – At least 29 people have died in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, following intense flooding and landslides caused by unseasonal torrential rains, according to the country’s interior ministry.
The early Saturday downpour submerged roads, swept away homes, and knocked out electricity in parts of the city. Authorities reported that nearly a third of Kinshasa was affected, with infrastructure overwhelmed due to poor drainage and unregulated urban expansion.
Climate Change Blamed for Unprecedented Rainfall
DR Congo’s meteorological agency, Mettelsat, recorded 90mm (3.5 inches) of rainfall in a single morning—surpassing peak levels typical of the November-to-May rainy season.
Experts cite climate change as the driving force behind the abnormal weather, made worse by Kinshasa’s flimsy construction, rapid population growth, and lack of formal urban planning. The city, located along the Congo River, now has an estimated population nearing 18 million, up more than 4% from 2024, according to Macrotrends.
Government Responds to Crisis
Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo convened an emergency meeting to coordinate disaster relief. The government pledged to cover funeral expenses for the victims and extended condolences to bereaved families.
This is not the first climate-related tragedy in recent months. In May, over 100 people died in flash floods in South Kivu, and another 30 perished in Kinshasa in April.
A Pattern of Vulnerability
As climate extremes grow more frequent, DR Congo faces mounting pressure to upgrade its urban infrastructure. Many residents live in high-risk flood zones in homes ill-equipped to withstand disasters.
With heavy rains now appearing even during the traditional dry season, urban planners warn that Kinshasa’s vulnerability may worsen without urgent interventions in drainage systems, housing standards, and disaster preparedness.
