At least 33 people have died in severe flooding caused by torrential rains in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Half of the city’s 26 districts are affected, with many homes in western Kinshasa swept away.

Residents are fleeing through floodwaters using makeshift canoes, while others face water shortages due to damaged treatment facilities.

Key roads, including routes to the airport and main port, are blocked, the BBC has reported.

Officials blame poor infrastructure and worsening climate change, with heavy rains expected to continue in the coming days.

Written by B.C. Begley