At least 15 people are confirmed dead and as many as 60 others are missing following a landslide in southwestern Congo, local officials reported on Sunday.
The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, struck near the port close to the town of Idiofa.
According to Dhedhe Mupasa, a local deputy, the landslide occurred when a hill overlooking the port collapsed due to the downpour.
Rescue efforts are underway, with a team dispatched to locate survivors. Seven people were fortunately found alive and have been hospitalized.
Determining the exact number of missing individuals remains challenging as the affected area functioned as a marketplace every Saturday.
Felicien Kiway, the interim provincial governor, confirmed that while seven survivors were found, the search continues for the estimated 60 missing persons.
A local official described the area as a port where fishermen traditionally sell their catches and purchase supplies.
This detail underscores the potential impact of the landslide, potentially affecting not just residents but also those visiting the marketplace.
