Flooding frequently proves deadly in Kinshasa, which sits on the banks of the Congo River, Africa's second largest after the Nile.

Poor maintenance and inadequate sewerage systems have left drainage pipes blocked by rubbish in many poorer neighbourhoods.

Those living in makeshift shacks and quarters with unpaved streets are especially at risk in the overcrowded megapolis, with an estimated population of some 17 million.

"Dad, you left your children in the street," a resident told Tshisekedi, who along with his wife Denise Nyakeru visited some 600 people sheltering in a stadium transformed into an emergency shelter.

"They call you a man of concrete but you're not helping your people," a resident told him, referring to his nickname in French.

The Democratic Republic of Congo leader also faced questions regarding the shambolic infrastructure and sanitation in Kinshasa.

"Stay healthy and may the Lord protect you," Tshisekedi said, ringed by members of the Republican Guard, before he left the stadium.

At least 33 people died in the latest floods and around 50 were hospitalised, according to the interior ministry.

About 5,000 families have been affected, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told a news conference.

On Monday, the waters that the day before had submerged the main road leading to the airport, were receding with traffic slowly resuming.

However other areas were still under water.

"Our belongings have been washed away. Since Friday, there has been nothing to eat, we ask the state to think about us," said Micheline Ngamundele, a mother of seven, in the eastern district of Limete.

A local pastor who gave his name as Josue said "the damage has been enormous. We have lost everything in my church".

"I think a lot of victims have not been found as yet," he added.

Gulain Amani, a professor at Kinshasa's Institute of Architecture and Urbanism, said: "Kinshasa is facing enormous demographic pressure and we are just building everywhere.

"We are not managing waste disposal or the treatment of used water," he told AFP.

The minister of urbanism on Sunday called for the demolition of buildings "identified as anarchic".