Devastating flash floods claim 176 lives in eastern Congo

Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc by demolishing buildings and forcing aid workers to gather bodies covered in mud.

The Kalehe territory in South Kivu province experienced torrential rains, causing rivers to overflow and submerge the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi.

In neighboring Rwanda, the situation was similarly dire, with flooding and landslides causing the loss of 130 lives and the destruction of over 5,000 homes this week.

The relentless downpour, which commenced on Thursday evening, triggered numerous landslides, leading to the destruction of numerous homes, as reported by Delphin Birimbi, a community leader in the area.

As the search for survivors continued, residents estimated that more than 75% of homes in Nyamukubi village were swept away by the floods, including school buildings and a health center. (ILKHA)