UPDATE: Congo death toll hits 77 after devastating boat accident

At least 77 people have been confirmed dead and 107 remain missing following a wave of devastating floods and fatal boat accidents across the Democratic Republic of Congo, government authorities announced Monday, June 16, 2025.

According to reports, the disasters, driven by extreme weather, have rocked both urban and remote regions, triggering a national emergency and urgent calls for humanitarian assistance.

In northwestern Equateur province, three boats capsized on Lake Tumba last Wednesday during violent storms.

The Ministry of Interior reported that 48 bodies have been recovered, while 107 passengers remain unaccounted for.

Only around 50 people survived, pulled from the water in rescue operations hampered by rough weather and poor visibility.

A government delegation has since been dispatched to the province to coordinate search-and-rescue efforts and organize the delivery of emergency relief.

“We are doing everything we can to find the missing,” a senior interior official said.

Separately, heavy weekend rains in the capital, Kinshasa, triggered flash floods and deadly landslides, killing at least 29 people, according to a statement released late Sunday.

Entire neighbourhoods were left under water.

Walls crumbled, bridges gave way, and houses collapsed — trapping families inside during the early hours.

“It was around 3 a.m. when we heard a loud noise,” recalled local resident Clovis Kalenga.

“When we went outside, the neighbours’ wall had collapsed. A couple was buried inside.”

Several communes in Kinshasa have begun emergency rebuilding work, including efforts to reinforce bridges and clear debris from critical roads.

Local media reported that public infrastructure teams have been deployed to stabilise weakened structures and restore access.

The ministry said the government is strengthening its disaster prevention and response plans, acknowledging that climate-induced emergencies are occurring with increased frequency.

“We must build community resilience and improve our early warning systems,” the statement said.

Analysts warn that Congo’s fragile infrastructure, widespread deforestation, and urban overcrowding have made it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Humanitarian agencies are now racing to deliver aid to flood survivors, many of whom have lost their homes and belongings.

As the search continues for the missing Lake Tumba and recovery operations resume in Kinshasa, officials warn the death toll could rise further in the coming days.

The Congolese Red Cross, along with other international relief groups, has called for urgent medical supplies, clean water, and temporary shelter for displaced families.

With more than 100 people still missing and dozens dead, Congo is now grappling with one of its deadliest natural disasters this year, underscoring the growing threat of climate-linkedcatastrophes in vulnerable regions.

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