Floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo have caused chaos in the capital city of Kinshasa. The River Congo, which runs through the country, has reached its highest level in 60 years, resulting in water pouring into homes and submerged roads. Outside of the capital, other areas have also been affected by the flooding. Over 300 people have lost their lives in the floods over the past few months. Residents in Kinshasa have reported the destruction of schools, hospitals, and churches, with many losing their homes and belongings.

The situation in Kinshasa is dire, with residents describing their houses as being filled with water and essential facilities being destroyed. The city is home to several small rivers and streams that often double as open sewers, and many of these have now overflowed. People are using canoes to navigate the flooded streets, while trucks drive cautiously through the water. The River Congo has risen to a level just below the record flooding in 1961, causing further damage in other cities like Kisangani.

The flooding has not only affected the Democratic Republic of Congo but also neighboring Congo-Brazzaville. More than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities have been impacted by the floods in Congo-Brazzaville. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall, which has led to the flooding. This is not the first time Kinshasa has experienced such devastating floods, as a similar event occurred just over a year ago, resulting in the loss of over 120 lives.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a reminder of the devastating impact that climate change can have on vulnerable communities. It highlights the urgent need for global action to address climate change and mitigate its effects.

Original news source: DR Congo floods: Chaos in Kinshasa as river rises to near-record level (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a summary of the article, leaving out key details. Instruct each group to read the summary and fill in the missing information based on their understanding of the article. After a set amount of time, have each group share their completed summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Instruct the students to form pairs or small groups. Assign each group a different topic related to the article, such as “The Impact of Climate Change” or “The Role of Government in Disaster Relief.” Each group should brainstorm a set of questions related to their assigned topic. Then, have the groups conduct an opinion poll within the class, asking their classmates the questions they came up with. After gathering the responses, each group should analyze and present the results to the class.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pencil. Instruct them to choose a scene or aspect of the article that stood out to them and sketch it on the paper. After a set amount of time, have the students share their sketches with a partner or small group. Each student should then explain the significance of their chosen scene or aspect and engage in a discussion about the article based on their sketches.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into two teams. One student from each team will come to the front of the class and choose a word from the list. Without speaking, the student must draw a picture that represents the word while their teammates try to guess what it is. The team that correctly guesses the word earns a point. Continue with different students and words until all the vocabulary words have been used.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to argue the pros of taking immediate action to address climate change, and assign the other group to argue the cons. Give each group time to brainstorm their arguments and gather evidence from the article. Then, have a debate where each group takes turns presenting their points and countering the opposing group’s arguments. Encourage the students to use persuasive language and evidence from the article to support their claims.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How has the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo affected the capital city of Kinshasa?
2. What has caused the River Congo to reach its highest level in 60 years?
3. What have residents in Kinshasa reported in terms of damage caused by the flooding?
4. How are people in Kinshasa navigating the flooded streets?
5. What other cities have been affected by the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
6. How has neighboring Congo-Brazzaville been impacted by the floods?
7. What is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding?
8. Why is the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo a reminder of the impact of climate change?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Floods in the Democratic Republic of (1)______ have caused chaos in the capital city of Kinshasa. The River Congo, which runs through the country, has (2)______ its highest level in 60 years, resulting in (3)______ pouring into homes and submerged roads. Outside of the capital, other (4)______ have also been affected by the flooding. Over 300 people have lost their lives in the floods over the past few months. Residents in Kinshasa have reported the destruction of schools, hospitals, and churches, with many losing their homes and belongings.

The situation in Kinshasa is dire, with residents describing their houses as being filled with water and (5)______ facilities being destroyed. The city is home to several small rivers and streams that often double as open sewers, and many of these have now (6)______. (7)______ are using canoes to navigate the flooded streets, while trucks (8)______ cautiously through the water. The River Congo has risen to a level just below the record (9)______ in 1961, causing further damage in other cities like Kisangani.

The flooding has not only affected the (10)______ Republic of Congo but also (11)______ Congo-Brazzaville. More than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities have been impacted by the floods in Congo-Brazzaville. Climate change is believed to be a contributing (12)______ to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall, which has led to the flooding. This is not the first time Kinshasa has experienced such devastating (13)______, as a similar event occurred just over a year ago, resulting in the loss of over 120 lives.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a reminder of the devastating impact that climate change can have on (14)______ communities. It highlights the (15)______ need for global (16)______ to address climate change and mitigate its effects.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. How do you think the residents of Kinshasa are feeling right now?
2. What do you think is the biggest challenge for the people affected by the flooding?
3. How would you feel if your home was destroyed by a natural disaster like a flood?
4. Do you think enough is being done to address climate change and prevent these types of disasters? Why or why not?
5. What do you think are the long-term effects of flooding on a community?
6. How would you feel if you lost all of your belongings in a flood?
7. Do you think the government should provide assistance to the people affected by the flooding? Why or why not?
8. What measures do you think could be taken to prevent or minimize the impact of flooding in vulnerable areas?
9. How do you think the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo will affect the economy of the country?
10. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster? If so, how did it impact your life?
11. What do you think are the most important things for a community to do after a natural disaster like a flood?
12. How would you feel if you had to evacuate your home because of a flood?
13. Do you think the international community has a responsibility to help countries affected by climate change-related disasters? Why or why not?
14. What do you think are the biggest challenges in rebuilding a community after a natural disaster?
15. How do you think the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo will impact the mental health of the affected residents?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. chaos
2. submerged
3. dire
4. navigate
5. essential
6. cautiously
7. impacted
8. climate
9. contributing
10. extreme
11. rainfall
12. mitigate
13. reminder
14. vulnerable
15. urgent

Meanings:
(A) The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period
(B) Capable of being easily hurt or attacked
(C) The precipitation of water from the clouds in the form of drops
(D) Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great
(E) In a careful and prudent manner, especially in order to avoid risk
(F) Complete disorder and confusion
(G) To steer or direct through a path or area
(H) Something that serves to warn or remind
(I) Absolutely necessary; extremely important
(J) To make less severe, serious, or painful
(K) Affected or influenced by an event or action
(L) Requiring immediate action or attention
(M) Covered or flooded with water
(N) Extremely serious or urgent
(O) Helping to cause or bring about
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What has caused chaos in the capital city of Kinshasa?
(a) Earthquakes
(b) Drought
(c) Floods
(d) Wildfires

2. How long has it been since the River Congo reached its highest level?
(a) 10 years
(b) 30 years
(c) 60 years
(d) 100 years

3. How many people have lost their lives in the floods over the past few months?
(a) Over 300
(b) Over 1000
(c) Over 500
(d) Over 200

4. What facilities have been destroyed in Kinshasa?
(a) Parks, libraries, and museums
(b) Schools, hospitals, and churches
(c) Restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls
(d) Gyms, theaters, and stadiums

5. What are residents using to navigate the flooded streets in Kinshasa?
(a) Canoes
(b) Bicycles
(c) Cars
(d) Helicopters

6. What is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall?
(a) Deforestation
(b) Climate change
(c) Pollution
(d) Overpopulation

7. How many people and health facilities have been impacted by the floods in Congo-Brazzaville?
(a) More than 100,000 people and 10 health facilities
(b) More than 500,000 people and 50 health facilities
(c) More than 200,000 people and 20 health facilities
(d) More than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities

8. What does the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight the need for?
(a) Increased funding for infrastructure
(b) Improved disaster preparedness
(c) Better urban planning
(d) Global action to address climate change

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The River Congo has risen to a level just below the record flooding in 1961, causing further damage in other cities like Kisangani.
2. Schools, hospitals, and churches in Kinshasa have been unaffected by the flooding.
3. Fewer than 300 people have lost their lives in the floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past few months.
4. The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in water pouring into homes and submerged roads.
5. The flooding has not affected neighboring Congo-Brazzaville, impacting less than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities.
6. The River Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached its highest level in 60 years due to flooding.
7. Residents in Kinshasa have described their houses as being dry and essential facilities being intact.
8. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding in the region.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How has the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo affected the capital city of Kinshasa?
2. What are some of the damages caused by the flooding in Kinshasa?
3. How are residents in Kinshasa navigating the flooded streets?
4. Besides the Democratic Republic of Congo, which other country has been affected by the flooding?
5. What is the role of climate change in the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding in the region?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How has the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo affected the capital city of Kinshasa?
The flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused chaos in the capital city of Kinshasa, with water pouring into homes and submerged roads.

2. What has caused the River Congo to reach its highest level in 60 years?
The River Congo has reached its highest level in 60 years due to extreme rainfall, which is believed to be a result of climate change.

3. What have residents in Kinshasa reported in terms of damage caused by the flooding?
Residents in Kinshasa have reported the destruction of schools, hospitals, and churches, with many losing their homes and belongings.

4. How are people in Kinshasa navigating the flooded streets?
People in Kinshasa are using canoes to navigate the flooded streets, while trucks drive cautiously through the water.

5. What other cities have been affected by the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Other cities, such as Kisangani, have also been affected by the flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

6. How has neighboring Congo-Brazzaville been impacted by the floods?
In Congo-Brazzaville, more than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities have been impacted by the floods.

7. What is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding?
Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding.

8. Why is the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo a reminder of the impact of climate change?
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a reminder of the impact of climate change because it highlights the devastating effects it can have on vulnerable communities and the urgent need for global action to address it.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Congo
(2) reached
(3) water
(4) areas
(5) essential
(6) overflowed
(7) People
(8) drive
(9) flooding
(10) Democratic
(11) neighboring
(12) factor
(13) floods
(14) vulnerable
(15) urgent
(16) action
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. chaos
Answer: (F) Complete disorder and confusion

2. submerged
Answer: (M) Covered or flooded with water

3. dire
Answer: (N) Extremely serious or urgent

4. navigate
Answer: (G) To steer or direct through a path or area

5. essential
Answer: (I) Absolutely necessary; extremely important

6. cautiously
Answer: (E) In a careful and prudent manner, especially in order to avoid risk

7. impacted
Answer: (K) Affected or influenced by an event or action

8. climate
Answer: (A) The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period

9. contributing
Answer: (O) Helping to cause or bring about

10. extreme
Answer: (D) Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great

11. rainfall
Answer: (C) The precipitation of water from the clouds in the form of drops

12. mitigate
Answer: (J) To make less severe, serious, or painful

13. reminder
Answer: (H) Something that serves to warn or remind

14. vulnerable
Answer: (B) Capable of being easily hurt or attacked

15. urgent
Answer: (L) Requiring immediate action or attention
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What has caused chaos in the capital city of Kinshasa?
Answer: (c) Floods

2. How long has it been since the River Congo reached its highest level?
Answer: (c) 60 years

3. How many people have lost their lives in the floods over the past few months?
Answer: (a) Over 300

4. What facilities have been destroyed in Kinshasa?
Answer: (b) Schools, hospitals, and churches

5. What are residents using to navigate the flooded streets in Kinshasa?
Answer: (a) Canoes

6. What is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall?
Answer: (b) Climate change

7. How many people and health facilities have been impacted by the floods in Congo-Brazzaville?
Answer: (d) More than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities

8. What does the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlight the need for?
Answer: (d) Global action to address climate change
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The River Congo has risen to a level just below the record flooding in 1961, causing further damage in other cities like Kisangani. (Answer: True)
2. Schools, hospitals, and churches in Kinshasa have been unaffected by the flooding. (Answer: False)
3. Fewer than 300 people have lost their lives in the floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past few months. (Answer: False)
4. The flooding in Kinshasa has resulted in water pouring into homes and submerged roads. (Answer: True)
5. The flooding has not affected neighboring Congo-Brazzaville, impacting less than 336,000 people and 34 health facilities. (Answer: False)
6. The River Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached its highest level in 60 years due to flooding. (Answer: True)
7. Residents in Kinshasa have described their houses as being dry and essential facilities being intact. (Answer: False)
8. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood of extreme rainfall and flooding in the region. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧