Heavy rains in central Congo have led to devastating flooding, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives, with 10 from the same family. The downpour, lasting for hours in the Kananga district of Kasai Central province, caused extensive damage to homes and structures.
Rescue efforts are underway to find survivors, and the death toll is expected to rise. The governor of Kasai Central province, John Kabeya, reported additional deaths, bringing the toll to 22.
Flooding, a recurrent issue in Congo, especially in remote areas, has once again left communities grappling with the aftermath of destruction.In a heartbreaking turn of events, central Congo faced the wrath of heavy rains, unleashing flooding that claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals, including 10 members of a single family.
The persistent rainfall, spanning several hours in the Kananga district of Kasai Central province, wreaked havoc by destroying numerous houses and structures.Governor John Kabeya provided updates on the dire situation, stating that the collapse of a wall resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 family members in Bikuku.
As rescue efforts intensified to locate survivors, an additional five deaths were confirmed, expanding the initially reported death toll of 17.Nathalie Kambala, country director of The Hand in Hand for Integral Development nongovernmental organization, highlighted the substantial material damage inflicted by the floods.
This catastrophic event follows a distressingly familiar pattern, as flooding caused by heavy rainfall is a recurrent challenge in various parts of Congo, particularly in remote areas.The aftermath of destruction includes significant damage to structures such as the Higher Institute of Technology of Kananga, a church, and a major road that now lies severed.
Governor Kabeya emphasized the need for urgent action from the national government to address the immediate challenges and aid in the recovery process.This tragic incident echoes the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters, as Congo grapples not only with flooding but also with the aftermath of a landslide triggered by heavy rains in eastern Congo, claiming at least four lives and leaving 20 individuals missing.
The nation faces the urgent task of responding to the immediate crisis and implementing measures to enhance resilience against such calamities in the future.
