KINSHASA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 300 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a minister said on Friday.
During a crisis assessment meeting, Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity Modeste Mutinga Mutuishayi said at least 43,750 houses had collapsed. He also warned of epidemic risks linked to a lack of sanitation and clean water.
The minister called on the Congolese authorities to urgently release funds to help the victims, while calling for international solidarity to support the humanitarian teams on the ground.
Floods and landslides are common in the DRC during the rainy season, which runs from September to May. ■