Death toll rises to over 170 after DR Congo floods

The authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say the number of people known to have died in severe flooding and mudslides has risen to 176.

The governor of South Kivu province said more people were still missing, feared buried under the mud.

At least two villages by Lake Kivu – Bushushu and Nyamukubi – were submerged when rivers in eastern DR Congo burst their banks.

There were also severe mudslides that destroyed homes made of wooden planks with corrugated iron roofs.

Rescue teams say there are piles of bodies in muddy clothing. Local media is reporting that in one of the villages, more than three-quarters of all homes had been swept away along with health centres and schools.

Across the other side of Lake Kivu in neighbouring Rwanda, at least 130 people have died as a result of floods and mudslides.

By BBC