Authorities have reported that at least 17 people have been confirmed dead with dozens of others missing after a landslide hit northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo after a recent torrential rainfall.
According to emergency services officials, the disaster happened along the Congo River in the town of Lisal in northwestern Mongala province where the victims resided in homes built at the foot of a mountain.
The officials stated that the toll could increase as rescuers sift through rubble beneath collapsed homes.
While confirming the incident to local media, Matthieu Mole, the President of a civil society organization, Forces Vives, said the torrential rain caused the landslide.
He said: “A torrential downpour caused a lot of damage, including a landslide that swallowed up several houses.
“The toll is still provisional as bodies are still under the rubble,” he added.
The governor of the region, Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa, addressed a press conference and said machinery was desperately needed to help clear the debris and try to save any survivors.
Also, Mbangisa declared three days of mourning throughout the province.
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