Severe flooding has swept through multiple regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, claiming at least 72 lives and displacing over 5,000 people, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health on Monday. The capital, Kinshasa, is among the worst affected, with 11 health zones reporting widespread destruction following relentless downpours.
In addition to Kinshasa’s mounting toll, eastern provinces such as Tanganyika and South Kivu have recorded extensive damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Local authorities are racing to assess the scale of humanitarian needs as communities remain submerged and isolated.
Emergency shelters have been set up across Kinshasa, with the iconic Stade des Martyrs now accommodating more than 4,500 displaced residents. With the stadium nearing capacity, officials have initiated a decongestion plan, relocating families to alternative venues to ease pressure on overstretched facilities.
“The situation is urgent, and we are focused on ensuring a fast, coordinated response,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement, pledging to strengthen inter-agency coordination to address both medical and humanitarian concerns. Sanitation, clean water, and disease prevention are now top priorities, with fears growing over potential cholera and malaria outbreaks.
Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the coming days, compounding risks for Kinshasa—a city of 17 million where poor urban planning and inadequate drainage have long left residents vulnerable during the rainy season, which typically stretches from November to May.
As emergency teams work against the clock, government officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow evacuation guidance. Humanitarian groups have also called for urgent support to meet the growing needs of affected populations across the country.