Heavy floods in DR Congo’s Kinshasa leave dozens dead, destroy homes
Al JazeeraAPR 18
Over 30 Killed After Heavy Rains Flood Congo's Capital
Above: A man lies on top of a car for safety as floodwaters inundate a road following heavy rains in the Ndjili district of Kinshasa on April 6, 2025. Image copyright: Hardy Bope/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The severity of flooding is linked to degraded river conditions, with the Ndjili River's dimensions no longer capable of containing flood waters. Nonetheless, the government is actively responding to this natural disaster with comprehensive emergency measures, including evacuation efforts and infrastructure repairs. The DRC government is committed to addressing the root causes of flooding through urban planning enforcement and restoring essential services in the coming days.
Narrative B
Local residents affected by these floods face immediate dangers from poorly maintained infrastructure and inadequate urban planning, with many forced to abandon their homes while receiving insufficient emergency support. This disaster highlights years of neglected infrastructure development and poor sewage maintenance in vulnerable areas. The mayor should resign for allowing unplanned settlements to be built along the river and worsening the river's condition over time.
Climate-concerned narrative
Although flooding is a natural disaster, human-caused climate change makes severe flooding events like these more common. Climate change leads to shorter, more intense rainfall events and prolonged dry spells. This sequence hardens the soil, reducing its ability to absorb water and increasing flood risks. Additionally, deforestation exacerbates these conditions by decreasing soil stability, making areas more susceptible to mudslides.