KINSHASA, Congo — Torrential flooding in the Congolese capital has killed at least 22 people and severely disrupted access to more than half of the city, including its main international airport, officials said on Sunday.

Most of the deaths in Friday’s heavy rains were caused by collapsing walls, according to provincial health minister Patricien Ngongo.

The flooding damaged the key highway linking Kinshasa to the airport, initially cutting off access. Authorities have since reopened it to light vehicles and expect full access to be restored within 72 hours, said Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba.

The damaged road is also the main artery connecting the capital to the rest of the country, raising concerns about trade and the movement of goods.

“We’ve been here since nightfall, but we’re not making any progress because we’ve been told that the road is cut in two, and we have goods to pick up,” said Blaise Ndendo, a truck driver stuck in the traffic buildup.

The latest disaster has revived painful memories of the 2022 floods that left more than 100 people dead in Kinshasa. Local authorities have warned of worsening climate impacts and called for improved urban planning and drainage systems. — Agencies