DRC: Flooding in Kinshasa January 4

Event

Torrential rains in Kinshasa overnight on January 3-4 prompted flooding that left at least 37 people dead. The most affected areas include the municipalities of Ngaliema and Selembao, as well as the neighborhood of Manenga.

Further rain is forecast for the region in the coming days. Transportation disruptions and hazardous travel conditions due to damaged or blocked roads should be expected, and other interruptions to local infrastructure (power outages, etc.) are possible.

Context

Democratic Republic of the Congo's rainy season normally takes place from November through March. Flooding is largely the result of insufficient infrastructure, e.g. sewers and drainage systems, unable to cope with sudden increases in water levels. The risk of typhoid fever, cholera, dengue fever, and malaria is higher than normal during times of heavy precipitation.

Advice

Individuals present in Kinshasa are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities and allow additional time to travel. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor the situation via local media and weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.

As a reminder, the majority of Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu (particularly outside the cities of Goma and Bukavu), as well as the northeast portion of Eastern province and the northern part of Katanga due to the presence of armed groups. Certain governments also advise against nonessential travel to the rest of the country. Travel should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.