Kinshasa: Torrential Rains on November 12-14 Cause Deaths, Floods, and Major Damage

The Congolese capital, Kinshasa, was hit by torrential rains on the night of Tuesday, November 12, into Wednesday, November 13, and again on Friday, November 14, 2025. The storms resulted in at least two deaths, left many homeless, and caused significant material damage.

Neighborhoods situated below the city limits, including Limete, Selembao, Bumbu, Masina, N’djili, and Kintambo, were particularly affected. The flooding, worsened by the Ndjili, Nsanga, and Makelele rivers, inadequate drainage systems, and sand accumulation in riverbeds, damaged houses, plots of land, markets, and major infrastructure, including two bridges between Kauka and Matonge. Some roads became impassable, forcing residents of the Ndanu neighborhood to seek refuge on their rooftops.

These recurring floods highlight the population’s vulnerability due to poor drainage infrastructure and climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent action by authorities to protect exposed areas and mitigate humanitarian and material impacts.