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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 31759, member: 636"] Heavy rains caused terrible floods in Kinshasa that killed at least 33 people. The capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo sits next to the massive Congo River. Many residents tried to escape the rising water by swimming or using homemade boats. Around 17 million people live here, where flooding happens often. The river recently reached its highest point in 60 years. Water washed away many homes in western parts of the city from Friday night into Saturday. Half of all districts face damage, according to the mayor, who sent rescue teams to help. The worst hit areas include poor neighborhoods and places on the edge of town. Some locals reported water rising almost five feet high. They barely managed to save themselves as water trapped others inside their homes. Many citizens feel angry because they believe the government responded slowly and did not provide enough help. The floods created water shortages across Kinshasa after treatment pumps became flooded themselves. Roads connecting the city center to the airport cannot be used anymore, and parts of the highway linking the capital to Matadi port also remain underwater. At least one smaller river flowing from the Congo - the Ndjili river - overflowed and trapped many people nearby. The deputy president confirmed this problem on Sunday. Scientists say this particular river contains lots of waste and human sewage. Many sections of Kinshasa lack proper sewage systems or city planning rules. The government promised last year that it would fix these long-standing issues. Weather experts warn that more rain will likely hit the northern and northeastern parts of DR Congo soon. According to recent warnings from the Congolese president, climate change makes these flood problems worse. The soil easily washes away in certain parts of the capital. Large areas suffer regular flooding whenever heavy rain falls because water has nowhere safe to drain away. [/QUOTE]

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