Rampant Disorder in Kinshasa as River in DR Congo Swells Close to Record-breaking Height

The capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, has been hit by severe floods, causing widespread chaos. Residents have been forced to navigate through submerged roads using canoes, while water has entered homes. The River Congo, which runs through the country, has also overflowed and affected areas outside the capital. This vital waterway is currently at its highest level in 60 years. According to officials, more than 300 people have lost their lives in the floods over the past few months. Impoverished residents have shared their stories, with one person stating that schools, hospitals, and churches have been washed away, causing devastation within the megacity. Kinshasa is known for its numerous small rivers and streams, many of which have now overflowed due to the flooding. The RVF, the agency responsible for DR Congo's waterways, had issued warnings in December about the potential for exceptional flooding in Kinshasa due to heavy rains. Other provinces had already experienced serious flooding prior to this. The Congo River has also caused havoc in neighboring Congo-Brazzaville, affecting over 336,000 people and 34 health facilities. Climate change is a contributing factor to these floods, as a warming atmosphere increases the likelihood of extreme rainfall. Just over a year ago, a flood in Kinshasa resulted in the deaths of more than 120 people.