Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Floods in Congo’s capital Kinshasa kill at least 120

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Isaac Kaledzi
Isaac Kaledzihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Kaledzi
Isaac Kaledzi is an experienced and award winning journalist from Ghana. He has worked for several media brands both in Ghana and on the International scene. Isaac Kaledzi is currently serving as an African Correspondent for DW.

At least 120 people have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital Kinshasa following heavy rains.

The toll may rise, according to Health minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani Mbanda who is quoted by Reuters as saying that 141 dead had ben counted.

That number though is now needed to be cross-checked with other departments before further announcement.

The heavy rains triggered floods and caused landslides, according to the government. Homes have been flooded, roads including the N1 highway that connects Kinshasa to the chief sea port of Matadi have been ripped apart.

The N1 highway could be closed for 3-4 days, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

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Congo’s president Felix Tshisekedi has said that his “thoughts are turned at this moment to my compatriots, victims of this natural disaster. It is therefore imperative to act quickly and now.”

Mr. Tshisekedi who is attending the US-Africa leaders summit in Washington DC also declared a three day of national mourning for victims of the floods.

Images have been shared on Twitter showing the prime minister touring affected areas.

At least 39 people died in Kinshasa in 2019 when torrential rain flooded low-lying districts and some buildings and roads collapsed.

 

Ghana: Hundreds displaced by flood water

 

Source: Africafeeds.com

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