Landslide in northwest Congo kills at the least 17 individuals after torrential rain

KINSHASA, Congo — Torrential rain in northwestern Congo brought about a landslide that killed at the least 17 individuals in a single day, authorities stated Sunday, warning the toll may rise as rescuers sift by way of rubble beneath collapsed houses.

The catastrophe happened alongside the Congo River within the city of Lisal in northwestern Mongala province, in response to Matthieu Mole, president of the civil society group Forces Vives. The victims lived in houses that have been constructed on the foot of a mountain.

“A torrential downpour brought about quite a lot of injury, together with a landslide that swallowed up a number of homes,” he stated. “The toll continues to be provisional as our bodies are nonetheless underneath the rubble.”

Gov. Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa stated equipment was desperately wanted to assist clear away the particles and attempt to save any survivors. The governor additionally supplied his condolences to the victims’ households and decreed three days of morning all through the province.