At least 37 dead after floods hit Kinshasa, DR Congo
According to Congolese authorities, at least 37 people died overnight Thursday, January 4, 2018, after heavy rain caused floods and landslides that swept through shanty homes in capital Kinshasa.
Many of the dead lived in Ngaliema, a poor hillside community that was hit particularly hard, and Selembao, the provincial minister for health and social affairs said.
"There has been not only flooding but also landslips, and several houses have collapsed," he said.
At least 33 people died in #Kinshasa #DRC due to heavy rains photos @VOAFrench pic.twitter.com/8Cn0xPgvx3
— Nicolas Pinault (@PinaultNicolas) January 4, 2018
Heavy rain that hit the country last month caused the Kalamu river in Boma, some 470 km (292 miles) SW of Kinshasa, to burst its banks. The floods that followed killed 50 people and left 10 000 homeless.
Some of the bodies were found in neighboring Angola, some 35 km (21 miles) away from the city.
Featured image: Floods in Kinshasa, DR Congo on January 4, 2018. Credit: Nicolas Pinault
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.