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ClimateDemocratic Republic of Congo

DR Congo: Nearly 170 people dead in floods, says UN

December 17, 2022

The flood-prone capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo saw around 280 houses wiped out by the floods earlier this week. UN officials now have updated figures.

https://p.dw.com/p/4L5Th
Local residents make their way through a damaged road following heavy rains that caused floods and landslides, on the outskirts of Kinshasa
Heavy torrential rain led to floods and landslides in Kinshasa on Monday and TuesdayImage: Justin Makangara/REUTERS

At least 169 people have died in the worst floods to hit the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo in years, officials at the United Nations said on Friday. They cited the numbers to authorities of the central African nation.

"As of 16 December, the Congolese authorities reported that at least 169 people have died; around 30 were injured and receiving treatment in hospitals across the city and at least 280 houses were destroyed," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. 

Heavy rainfall led to floods and landslides in Kinshasa earlier this week. The capital city — once a fishing village located on the banks of the Congo River — has grown rapidly in population with unplanned housing in flood-prone areas.

The Congolese government's announcement on Tuesday officially put the death toll at 120.

A three-day national mourning period which began on Wednesday has now concluded.

"The Government has confirmed that it will organize a dignified and secure burial of those who have lost their lives," the UN statement read. 

mk/sms (AFP, Reuters)