A catastrophic landslide struck the Burutsi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The disaster has so far claimed 19 lives and left four individuals with serious injuries. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly as more than a dozen people remain unaccounted for, believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
During the ongoing rescue operations, the situation was further complicated when a local resident assisting with recovery efforts suffered a fall, resulting in a fractured left leg. This incident was confirmed by the administrative secretary of the Luberike group, the administrative division that encompasses Burutsi, in a statement to Actualité.CD.
The landslide’s destructive path has rendered numerous homes uninhabitable, displacing a substantial number of residents. Those who have lost their dwellings are currently seeking shelter and refuge in local schools, which have been repurposed as emergency accommodation centers.
In response to the crisis, local authorities have issued a heartfelt appeal for collective solidarity. They are urgently calling for public assistance to support the victims, intensify the search for the missing, and provide essential medical care for the injured. The community is mobilizing to address the immediate humanitarian needs arising from this tragic event.