Hundreds dead as Congo River basin submerged by generational floods

People use a makeshift boat to move after the Congo River rises to its highest level, causing flooding. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo January 10, 2024.REUTERS/Justin Makangara

KINSHASA (Reuters) - The Congo River has risen to its highest level in more than 60 years, causing flooding throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Congo Republic that has killed more than 300 people over the past months, according to authorities.

Poor urban planning and weak infrastructure have made some African countries vulnerable to flash floods after intense rains, which have become more frequent due to climate change.