Heavy rains overnight in South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) caused flooding and landslides, killing at least 40 people, local media reported Wednesday.
At least 20 people were found dead in the provincial capital Bukavu while the bodies of 20 others were discovered in the surrounding village of Burhinyi, reports said, citing the governor’s office.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and there is concern that the death toll may rise.
In May this year, at least 438 bodies were found in areas of Kalehe Territory in South Kivu hit by flooding due to heavy rains.
The DRC, located in a tropical climate zone, frequently faces natural disasters during the rainy season.