A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed at least nine people, including seven children from a single family, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo late Friday, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather on vulnerable communities.
The disaster struck Kabulu village in South Kivu province, where one resident lost his wife and all seven children when their home was swept away, according to territorial administrator Thomas Bakenga. Another child died elsewhere in the village, with officials warning the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
A local civil society group reported that seven homes were completely destroyed and 31 others damaged in the disaster, placing their casualty estimate at 10 deaths. The discrepancy in reported deaths reflects the ongoing nature of recovery efforts.
The tragedy underscores Congo’s increasing vulnerability to extreme rainfall, which climate experts say is becoming more intense and frequent across Africa due to rising temperatures. Poor urban planning and weak infrastructure throughout the country leave communities particularly exposed to such weather events.
Similar disasters have plagued Congo in recent months. A ravine collapse onto a river in the southwest killed at least 12 people in April, following numerous deaths in comparable circumstances last December.
