landslides
After heavy rains in the Congo: the number of victims rises to 120
According to the government, at least 120 people have died in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo after heavy rains. photo
© Samy Ntumba Shambuyi/AP/dpa
In heavy rainfall, entire houses were washed away in the Congolese capital Kinshasa. The search for victims continues. The President declared three days of national mourning.
According to the government, at least 120 people have died in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo after heavy rains. In parts of the 15 million metropolis of Kinshasa, there were major floods and landslides on Tuesday night. Interior Minister Daniel Aselo told the German Press Agency that numerous people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
The Red Cross initially reported 50 victims. Rescue workers continued to search for survivors and victims on Wednesday. President Felix Tshisekedi, who is currently at the Africa summit organized by the US government in Washington, called on his cabinet to act quickly. Tshisekedi declared three days of national mourning. It was said that he would shorten his stay in Washington.
According to the Red Cross, heavy rains had washed away entire houses in the Mont-Ngafula and Ngaliema districts. Numerous roads in the central African country’s capital were flooded, including National Road 1, a key trade route to Angola. Like many major African cities, Kinshasa is struggling with inadequate infrastructure and sewage systems.