Landslide in northwest DRC kills at least 17 people | Climate news

Congolese authorities say the toll could rise as rescuers search through the mud and rubble of collapsed homes.

At least 17 people have been killed by a landslide triggered by torrential rains in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said, warning the toll could rise as rescuers dig through the mud and the rubble of collapsed houses.

The disaster took place on Sunday along the Congo River, in the commune of Lisal, in the province of Mongala, according to Matthieu Mole, president of the civil society organization Forces Vives. The victims lived in houses built at the foot of a mountain.

“A torrential downpour caused widespread damage, including a landslide which engulfed several houses,” he said on Sunday. “The results are still provisional because the bodies are still under the rubble.”

Governor Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa said machines were desperately needed to help clear debris and try to save survivors. The governor offered his condolences to the families of the victims and declared three days of mourning throughout the province.

P.Poverty and poor infrastructure have made communities in these areas more vulnerable to extreme weather such as heavy rains, which are becoming more frequent and intense in Africa due to climate change, United Nations climate experts said.

In April, President Félix Tshisekedi declared a day of national mourning after 16 people died in multiple landslides in Lubero territory, North Kivu province.