A deadly landslide in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of nine people, including seven children from a single family, following torrential rains on Friday night. The tragedy has left families mourning and raised concerns over the growing impacts of extreme weather.
The disaster struck Kabulu village in South Kivu province, sweeping away several homes. Among the victims was the wife and seven children of one man, local official Thomas Bakenga reported on Saturday. Another child died in a separate location, while search efforts continue for others still missing.
A local civil society group reported that at least seven homes were destroyed, with 31 others damaged. The group estimates the death toll could rise to 10 as rescue operations progress.
This is not an isolated incident. Experts blame weak infrastructure and poor urban planning, coupled with the intensifying effects of climate change, for making communities in Congo more vulnerable to such disasters. Earlier this year, heavy rains in southwest Congo led to a ravine collapse that killed 12 people, while a similar incident last December caused scores of fatalities.
