Torrential rains claim more than 175 lives in Congo, cause widespread damage

Torrential rains in Congo have caused extensive damage and decimated many villages across the nation, taking more than 175 lives, according to Al Jazeera, which cited local officials.

In South Kivu, a river overflowed on Thursday due to torrential rain, which resulted in significant damage and fatalities in the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi, according to a statement from the provincial office. Social media users posted images showing the weather clearing up to reveal flattened houses and roofs covered in thick layers of mud. The majority of the country in Central Africa experienced widespread destruction due to the country’s heavy rains.

In South Kivu, landslides and floods frequently happen.
According to Al Jazeera, South Kivu’s governor, Theo Ngwabidje Kasi, reported 176 fatalities and added that additional people were still missing.

The current humanitarian situation in Congo, which was exacerbated by decades of conflict between various armed groups, has gotten worse as a result of the recent flooding. There have been at least 122 rebel factions fighting in the region for more than 25 years, according to a recent UN census.

According to Al Jazeera, another million Congolese have also left the country.