Hundreds of deaths as a result of the flood of the Congo River... reaching its highest level in 60 years

Weather of Arabia - Local authorities announced that the Congo River has reached its highest level in more than 60 years, resulting in massive floods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 people over the past few months.

Its highest level in more than 60 years

Fragile urban planning and weak infrastructure have made some African countries vulnerable to flash floods after heavy rains, and this situation is becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Ferry Moua, a hydrologist at the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Rivers Authority, which is part of the Ministry of Transport, confirmed that his office was alerted to the rise in water levels at the end of December, warning that the entire Kinshasa, the city located on both banks of the river, could be greatly affected.

An official told Reuters that the level of the Congo River reached 6.20 meters above sea level yesterday, Wednesday, a number slightly lower than the height recorded in 1961 when the water level reached 6.26 metres. He added that the floods resulted from exceptional heavy rains inside the country.

The Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed that many neighborhoods in Kinshasa, which are considered densely populated, were submerged by flood waters, especially communities in more than 12 provinces.

The ministry reported in a statement issued last week that the floods resulted in the death of about 300 people, and about 300,000 families were affected, with tens of thousands of homes destroyed.

In the neighboring Republic of Congo, authorities announced to Reuters that 17 people lost their lives due to floods that swept through eight regions, including the capital, while more than 60,000 families were affected.

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