Tragic struck the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) when about 200 people died in flash floods. South Kivu governor, Théo Kasi said the heavy rains had flooded the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi on Thursday, causing rivers to overflow into the villages.
Kasi said Friday’s death toll hit 176, with many others still missing.
According to Reuters, a local civil society member, Kasole Martin confirmed that 227 bodies had been found.
“People are sleeping out in the open, schools and hospitals have been swept away,” Martin was quoted to have said.
Robert Masamba, a doctor, said injured survivors had been streaming in since Thursday evening.
“My team and I have not slept. We have received 56 patients, 80 per cent of which have fractures,” he said.
President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Last year, at least 100 people were killed after flooding ravaged parts of Kinshasa, the DRC capital.
Experts warn that Africa could face increased food insecurity and an unprecedented rural-urban migration crisis if flooding persists.
cc: The Cable Ng
