Natural Disaster in DR Congo: Landslides Claim 21 Lives in Kananga

A cataclysmic natural disaster has shaken the town of Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), claiming at least 21 lives. Heavy rains have triggered landslides, causing severe devastation to the region. Rescue operations are in full swing, with local authorities and emergency services striving to find survivors and aid those affected by the disaster.

Unveiling the Disaster

December 26, Tuesday, saw the town of Kananga battered by torrential rainfall. The ensuing landslides swept away more than fifteen houses, threatened numerous buildings, and claimed numerous lives. The victims included a woman and her eight children, a man, and his four children, and seven individuals from Kamayi district. Infrastructure, including the Regideso catchment plant, suffered significant damage, while a Methodist health center is currently at risk.

Devastation Beyond Measure

The landslides resulted in immense material damage, with structures such as the Higher Institute of Technology of Kananga, a church, and a major road being heavily affected. The local government has sought urgent assistance from the national government to manage the crisis. The provincial government is conducting investigations to ascertain the reasons for the material damage. Most deaths were caused by the collapse of house walls built on unsuitable land. The mayor of Kananga has requested significant aid from the government to provide the victims with dignified funerals.

A History of Tragedy

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the DR Congo has faced such a disaster. In May, more than 400 people died when torrential overnight rains in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province triggered floods and landslides. Despite its abundant mineral wealth, the DR Congo remains one of Africa’s poorest nations. This economic struggle, coupled with dilapidated infrastructure and subpar construction practices, significantly increases the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters.