The landslides, which were triggered by heavy rains and flooding overnight 17 to 18 November, occurred in the mining towns of Rubaya and Bihambwe in the chiefdom of Bahunde, Masisi Territory in North Kivu Province.

Twenty-six of the fatalities occurred in illegal or informal gold mines in Rubaya.

Officials and locals are continuing to search the area for several people still thought to be missing and it is feared the death toll may rise further, according to local reports. (ILKHA)