The disaster took place along the Congo River in the town of Lisal in northwestern Mongala province, ABC News reported citing the president of the civil society organization Forces Vives Matthieu Mole.
The victims lived in homes that were built at the foot of a mountain, he added.
“A torrential downpour caused a lot of damage, including a landslide that swallowed up several houses,” he said. “The toll is still provisional as bodies are still under the rubble.”
Gov. Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa said machinery was desperately needed to help clear away the debris and try to save any survivors. The governor also offered his condolences to the victims’ families and decreed three days of mourning throughout the province.
AMK/PR
