By James Tasamba
KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 176 people are confirmed dead Friday and dozens injured in flooding triggered by heavy rains in eastern Congo, according to provincial authorities.
“The rains caused serious flooding, causing the Chibira River to burst its banks, destroying buildings and burying people in the rubble. Provisional toll is 176 and others are missing,” Regional Governor Theo Ngwabidje Kasi Ngwabidje told reporters about the situation in Kale territory in South Kivu province that occurred overnight Thursday.
The most affected villages are central Bushushu where 70 people died and Nyamukubi, where at least 67 bodies were counted.
Heavy rains have pounded that area of the country since last week, said residents.
Kalehe Territory Administrator Thomas Bakenge said more than 50 people were admitted to the hospital with fractures.
More than 500 houses were destroyed, leaving hundreds without homes, he said.
Landslides claiming the lives of residents during rainy seasons in the area are often reported.
Media reports said more than 780 households were left without places to live following flooding that hit Uvira territory in South Kivu in the past week.
The disasters in Congo occurred days after flooding and landslides killed 140 in Rwanda and western Uganda earlier this week.