Dozens die after torrential rain hammers Congolese capital

Torrential rains and floods have killed at least 33 people in Kinshasa. This is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to officials.

Desperate residents are trying to escape the floodwaters. They wade, swim, or paddle to safety in homemade canoes.

Kinshasa has a population of 17 million people. It sits on the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world. Recently, flooding reached its highest level in sixty years.

Parts of the city suffer from soil erosion. The Congolese president has warned that climate change worsens flooding.

Many homes in western Kinshasa were swept away during flooding overnight from Friday into Saturday. About half of the city's 26 districts are affected. The mayor says search and rescue teams have been deployed.

The worst-hit areas include the outskirts and poorer neighborhoods. "The water has reached 1.5 meters high," said Christophe Bola from Ndanu area. "We managed to save ourselves; others are trapped."

Residents express anger towards authorities for slow responses and insufficient help.

Flooding has caused water shortages across much of Kinshasa. Water treatment pumps were inundated by floodwaters.

The city's busiest road is impassable, affecting access to the international airport. Some parts of the motorway connecting to Matadi port are also blocked.

Deputy President Jacquemain Shabani reported that at least one tributary, N'djili River, has burst its banks. Many residents there are now trapped.

N'djili River is known for pollution with high levels of fecal matter and waste. Sewage maintenance is poor throughout Kinshasa, with little town planning evident.

Last year, the government announced plans to address these issues. Heavy rain is expected to affect northern and northeastern DR Congo in coming days.