Latest reports show that flooding triggered by heavy rains in central Congo have killed at least 22 people, including 10 from the same family.
The hours long rainfall in the district of Kananga in Kasai Central province destroyed many houses and structures, the province’s governor, John Kabeya said, adding that rescue efforts have also intensified in search of survivors.
Five more deaths were confirmed later on Tuesday in addition to the initially reported death toll of 17.
“The collapse of a wall caused 10 deaths, all members of the same family in Bikuku,” Kabeya said.
Nathalie Kambala, country director of The Hand in Hand for Integral Development nongovernmental organization said that there was significant material damage caused by the floods.
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Flooding caused by heavy rainfall is frequent in parts of Congo, especially in remote areas. In May, more than 400 people died in floods and landslides brought on by torrential overnight rains in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province.
Among the structures damaged in the latest flooding was the Higher Institute of Technology of Kananga, as well as a church and a major road that was cut off, said Kabeya, who added that urgent action would be requested from the national government.
Story was adapted from VOA.
