At least 33 people have lost their lives following days of relentless torrential rain in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials confirmed the death toll on Monday, as the city battles widespread flooding and destruction.

Kinshasa, a sprawling city of over 17 million people, sits on the banks of the mighty Congo River—one of the largest rivers in the world. In recent days, the river swelled to its highest level in sixty years, compounding the effects of heavy rainfall and overwhelming local drainage systems.

Desperate scenes unfolded across the capital as residents attempted to flee submerged neighborhoods. People were seen wading through chest-deep water, swimming, or using makeshift canoes to escape the rising floodwaters. Many have been left homeless or trapped without access to clean water, food, or medical aid.

President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his condolences and support for the victims, promising government intervention. “The republic will not abandon you,” he stated during a national address, and he convened a crisis meeting with government officials to coordinate emergency response efforts.

The disaster has once again highlighted Kinshasa’s vulnerability to natural calamities. Several areas of the city are prone to soil erosion and landslides, made worse by poor infrastructure and rapid urban expansion. Authorities and humanitarian groups are now racing against time to assist the affected populations and prevent further loss of life.