High vulnerability and exposure main driver behind Kinshasa’s deadly floods following heavy, but not unusual rainfall

Heavy rainfall in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since April 4 has led to severe flooding in Kinshasa, resulting in at least 33 fatalities and widespread destruction. The flooding has disrupted essential services, such as water supply and transportation, with nearly half of Kinshasa’s districts severely affected. The city’s vulnerability to flooding is exacerbated by its proximity to rivers and dense informal housing areas. The impacts of climate change on the increased frequency of heavy rainfall events in the region are being studied, with projections indicating a potential rise in future flooding risks. The ongoing humanitarian crises in the country, exacerbated by political instability and conflict, further underscore the importance of building resilience to extreme weather events like floods in Kinshasa. Efforts to mitigate flood risks, including infrastructure improvements and adaptation measures, will be crucial as the city’s population continues to grow rapidly.