Floods in DRC Capital Kinshasa Claim Life of 2-Year-Old Child

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Flooding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in the tragic death of a 2-year-old child, according to the city's governor.

A tragic incident occurred in Kinshasa, where severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall led to the death of a child, according to officials on Sunday.

On Saturday, significant rainfall caused rivers, canals, and sewers in Kinshasa to overflow, inundating roadways in the industrial district of the largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kinshasa's governor, Daniel Bumba, stated in a video shared on social media that the overall damage was "marginal compared to the devastation expected according to weather forecasts." However, he reported that a two-year-old child lost their life near the Kalamu River.

Governor Bumba urged residents to refrain from discarding waste into waterways, emphasizing that this practice increases the risk of flooding. The city, home to approximately 17 million residents, is often plagued by large piles of trash and rivers obstructed by plastic debris.

Bumba acknowledged the reality of climate change but emphasized that taking preventative measures can help mitigate significant damage. He noted that heavy rainfall and flooding in Kinshasa have historically led to fatal outcomes, citing a disaster in November 2019 that resulted in approximately 40 fatalities.

"Flooding occurs even in the most advanced cities, but the decisive factor is how you respond to it," Bumba stated.