The death toll after heavy flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa this week has risen to 169, the United Nations' humanitarian office (OCHA) said on Friday, citing authorities. A joint team from OCHA and Congo's social affairs ministry visited the worst-hit neighborhoods on Thursday to assess the damage. The team estimated that around 38 000 people had been impacted by the floods, OCHA said in a statement on Friday. "Today marks the end of three day of national mourning in memory of those deceased," the statement said. Poorly regulated rapid urbanisation has made the city increasingly vulnerable to flash floods after intense rains, which have become more frequent due to climate change.

Source: News 24 December 17, 2022 06:49 UTC