45 Killed in Congo flood

International Desk: At least 45 people have died in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and more than 5,000 have been made homeless according to the local Red Cross.

Heavy rains began on January 3 and continued through to Sunday, sweeping through homes, collapsing walls and causing landslides through many parts of the city.

"We're really very sad today. My sister lost five children because of the rain. She's inconsolable. We will bury them," said Kinshasa resident Tshims Badibanga, as he attended the funeral of one of his relatives.

Flood victim Evariste Kazadi said: "All we have left is those few chairs there. Everything is gone. If I hadn't been at home, I would have lost my children."

The disease has killed at least 1,190 people and spread to 24 of the country's 26 provinces since it broke out in July. About 55,000 cases have been recorded.

Anger is mounting towards the government, which is accused of doing little to prevent further tragedy.

The flooding is expected to exacerbate an ongoing cholera outbreak - the worst seen in DRC in 20 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

In Kinshasa, cholera has been spreading quickly due to overcrowding, poor sanitation and lack of access to drinking water.

"In previous weeks, we recorded around 20 cases on average," said Jean Liyolongo of Doctors Without Borders (MSF). "Right now, we're getting more than 100 cases each week. In Kinshasa, more than 450 [cases] have been registered."

 

Source: Agencies

 

risingbd/Dhaka/January 11, 2018/A K Azad