Democratic Republic of the Congo - Flash Update #3: Floods caused by heavy rains in Kinshasa, 31 December 2022

HIGHLIGHTS

• Around 5,000 households were affected by floods and landslides across five municipalities in Kinshasa on 12 December.

• An UNDAC multi-sectoral mission is underway to identify priority needs and prepare a response plan.

• Heavy rains are expected in the coming days which might exacerbate further the situation.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

As of 30 December, it is estimated that around 5000 households across five municipalities have been affected by flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains that killed 169 people on the night of 12-13 December in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Numerous private and public infrastructures were also damaged.
The most affected communes include Mont Ngafula (2,691 households), Ngaliema (269 households), Selembao (508 households), Bandalungwa (981 households) and Limete (269 households) i. In Mont Ngafula, the water supply network was damaged and has not yet been repaired.

Access to several neighborhoods in this commune is only possible by foot or by motorcycle due to the collapse of the roads. Stagnant water remains in several neighborhoods, which could lead to an increase in malaria cases. In Selembao, erosions and landslides caused total damage to 64 houses. Most of the affected families have been taken in by host families; others have found refuge in churches.

Heavy rains are expected to continue in the New Year, according to the national meteorological agency. This could worsen the already precarious situation, especially for neighborhoods along the Congo and other rivers, which are prone to landslides and flooding.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND GAPS

A United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team landed in Kinshasa on 22 December at the Government’s request, to support the Government in assessing the damage and help in preparing a response plan. The UNDAC team, along with teams from OCHA, the Congolese Government, and other humanitarian actors (Caritas, FAO, IOM, Red Cross, UNHCR, UNICEF) visited the affected sites to evaluate the damage and identify priority needs. The findings of these assessments are expected to be finalized by 6 January 2023 and will inform the response. Water and sanitation, shelter, and food are considered the most urgent needs for affected people and their host families. The DRC Ministry of Humanitarian Action, which is leading the response to this crisis, has reported the availability of some 1,200 hygiene kits (donated by Belgium), which will be delivered through the Congolese Red Cross. Other partners have expressed their readiness to assist.