A devastating landslide triggered by torrential rains has claimed the lives of at least 17 people in the northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue amidst the debris and mud.

The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in the town of Lisal, located in the Mongala province, along the Congo River. The victims were residents of homes constructed at the base of a mountain, making them susceptible to natural disasters like landslides during heavy rainfall.

Matthieu Mole, president of the civil society organisation Forces Vives, reported that the disaster was a consequence of torrential downpours that resulted in significant damage, including the deadly landslide that engulfed numerous houses. Mole emphasised that the current casualty count is provisional as rescue teams work tirelessly to recover bodies trapped beneath the rubble.

Governor Cesar Limbaya Mbangisa expressed the urgent need for heavy machinery to facilitate the clearing of debris and the search for any survivors. He offered condolences to the families of the victims and declared three days of mourning across the entire province.

The vulnerability of communities in these areas to extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and landslides, is exacerbated by poverty and inadequate infrastructure. Such weather-related events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe in Africa due to the impacts of climate change, as noted by United Nations climate experts.