Around 30 Dead In Congo Capital Flooding, Authorities Say

Around 30 people have died in flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congos capital Kinshasa, the provincial health minister said on Sunday, as torrential rains over the weekend destroyed homes and roads.

The death toll is provisional, but so far there are around 30 dead, Patricien Gongo Abakazi told Reuters.

The Ndjili River, which runs through part of the city of around 17 million, overflowed its banks on Friday night, blocking the main national road and leaving drivers stranded since Saturday evening.

On the way home from the airport last night to welcome afriend, we spent the night in the car because there was no safeplace to park, said Patricia Mikonga, a Kinshasa resident.

Several neighbourhoods were left without power.