ALETIHAD STAFF (KINSHASA)
At least 17 people were killed in Congo as a result of a landslide which was triggered by recent torrential rains, according to local authorities, AP reported.
The incident happened in the town of Lisal, along the Congo River, in northwestern Mongala province, said Matthieu Mole, president of the civil society organisation Forces Vives, adding that victims lived in homes that were built on the base of a mountain.
“A torrential downpour caused a lot of damage, including a landslide that swallowed up several houses,” he noted on Sunday, warning that the toll could rise as the rubble is being sifted through.
Gov. Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa urged for machinery to help remove the debris and try to save any survivors and offered condolences to the victim›s families, agencies report.
Recently, more countries have been experiencing the emergence of landslides due to changing weather conditions. Just a week ago, on September 12, over 100 landslides appeared in China, Reuters reported, while on July 10, at least 22 people were killed in Northern India due to harsh landslides triggered by torrential rains.
As the World Meteorological Organization explains, warmer climate can hold more moisture. Therefore, precipitation events – with rain, snow, or hail – in a warmer climate are much intenser and can result in more flooding. And, landslides often accompany heavy rains, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.