At least 20 killed in Congo flooding and landslides, bringing fatalities to over 60

At least 20 people have died following landslides caused by torrential rains that hit the South Kivu region in eastern Congo

KINSHASA, Congo -- At least 20 people have died following landslides caused by torrential rains which hit the South Kivu region in eastern Congo, officials announced on Friday.

That brings to more than 60 the number of deaths caused by flooding and landslides in Congo in the past week alone.

Officials said the landslides swallowed up houses and dwellings on Thursday in the locality of Burhiny, in the Mwenga territory.

“The 20 deaths are the direct result of landslides that buried houses," said territory administrator Walubila Ishikitilo.

The government said on Friday that it was deploying emergency assistance to those affected and evacuating residents from the area.