Landslide in Congo Claims Nine Lives, Including Seven Children

• Nov 24, 2024

Heavy rainfall triggered a devastating landslide in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least nine people, including seven children from a single family. The disaster struck late Friday in Kabulu village, South Kivu province, sweeping away homes and leaving families shattered.

Thomas Bakenga, the territorial administrator, confirmed that one resident lost his wife and all seven children in the landslide. Another child was killed elsewhere in the area. Local authorities fear the death toll could rise as search efforts continue for missing individuals.

The landslide destroyed seven homes and damaged 31 others, according to a local civil society group, which reported an additional fatality, raising the possible death count to ten. Rescue operations are ongoing as villagers and officials work to find survivors and recover the remains of those lost.

Disasters like this highlight the vulnerabilities faced by communities in Congo, where poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure leave residents exposed to the increasing impacts of extreme weather. Climate experts warn that rising global temperatures are intensifying rainfall patterns across Africa, leading to more frequent and severe events.

Congo has experienced several similar tragedies in recent years. In April, heavy rain in the southwest caused a ravine to collapse onto a river, killing at least 12 people. Last December, a comparable disaster claimed dozens of lives, underscoring the recurring nature of such incidents and the urgent need for preventative measures.

In Kabulu, grief and loss permeate the community as families mourn their loved ones and rebuild their lives in the aftermath. The landslide is a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by climate change and the urgent necessity for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations.

As recovery efforts continue, attention turns to supporting the affected families and preventing future tragedies. Strengthening infrastructure, enforcing urban planning, and addressing climate change impacts will be crucial to safeguarding communities in Congo and beyond.