torrential rains - The African Mirror

Feb

18

2024

Thousands homeless after DR Congo’s worst floods in sixty years

IN a makeshift camp for people displaced by floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo, father-of-three Cyprien Seka anxiously watched his baby nap on the floor of a crowded tent and wondered if it would ever be safe to return home. Torrential rains swelled the Congo River to its highest level in over 60 years in late December and forced around 500,000 people to flee the rising waters. "It's been almost a month since we left our homes because of the flooding... We are suffering," Seka said at the camp on the grounds of a Catholic church on the outskirts of the…

Dec

12

2023

By The African Mirror

Torrential rains kill at least 14 in city in east Congo

NEWS

AT least 14 people died in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after torrential rains battered the city of Bukavu overnight, causing landslides and houses to collapse, a local official said. The victims were all killed in the Bukavu commune of Ibanda, where many people live in makeshift houses that collapsed under the rain, the mayor of the commune, Jean Balek Mugabo, told Reuters via telephone. The death toll is likely to rise as several victims are in hospital with serious injuries, he added. Congo is amid political campaigns in the run-up to general elections on Dec. 20 that have highlighted weak infrastructure…

Dec

06

2023

By NUZULACK DAUSEN

Tanzania flood deaths rise to 63, prime minister says

NEWS

THE death toll from floods in northern Tanzania following torrential rains this weekend has risen to 63, the prime minister said, adding to hundreds of other deaths caused by extreme weather in East Africa since seasonal rains began in October. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said in comments broadcast on television that the number of injured stood at 116 people. Landslides had destroyed half of one village he visited, he said. "We are here in front of bodies of our fellows. We have lost 63 loved ones. Of the total fellows we lost, 23 are men and 40 are women," he…

Dec

05

2023

By NUZULACK DAUSEN

Tanzania flood deaths rise to 63, prime minister says

NEWS

THE death toll from floods in northern Tanzania following torrential rains this weekend has risen to 63, the prime minister said, adding to hundreds of other deaths caused by extreme weather in East Africa since seasonal rains began in October. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said in comments broadcast on television that the number of injured stood at 116 people. Landslides had destroyed half of one village he visited, he said. "We are here in front of bodies of our fellows. We have lost 63 loved ones. Of the total fellows we lost, 23 are men and 40 are women," he…

Jul

16

2023

By JOYCE LEE

South Korea landslides, floods kill more than 20

WORLD

TWENTY-two people have died, 14 were missing and thousands evacuated in South Korea as, according to ministry data, as a third day of torrential rains caused landslides and the overflow of a dam. As of 6 p.m. (0900 GMT), 4,763 people had been evacuated nationwide, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, as water overtopped the dam in North Chungcheong province on Saturday morning. Local governments' evacuation orders covered more than 7,000 people at various times, according to provincial authorities. The tally is expected to rise as more heavy rain is expected on the Korean peninsula on Sunday, the Korea Meteorological…

Sep

03

2021

By The African Mirror

At least 44 reported dead in ‘historic’ flooding in New York, New Jersey

WORLD

MARIA CASPANI and KANISHKA SINGH FLASH flooding killed at least 44 people in four Northeastern states as remnants of Hurricane Ida unleashed torrential rains that swept away cars, submerged New York City subway lines and grounded airline flights, officials said on Thursday. Across large swaths https://graphics.reuters.com/STORM-IDA/RAINFALL/akvezzlbzpr of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, residents spent the day coping with water-logged basements, power outages, damaged roofs and calls for help from friends and family members stranded by flooding. At least 13 people lost their lives in New York City, along with three in suburban Westchester County. New Jersey Governor Phil…

Sep

27

2020

By The African Mirror

Severe flooding in South Sudan displaces more than 600,000 – U.N.

NEWS

DENIS DUMO SEVERE flooding in South Sudan has forced more than 600,000 people to flee their homes since July, the United Nations said, after months of torrential rains caused the Nile to burst its banks. The impoverished East African nation is struggling to recover from a five-year civil war and was already suffering severe food shortages. Scientists say the unusual rains are caused by a cyclical weather pattern that has been exacerbated by climate change. The coronavirus pandemic is also complicating the response, said United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan Alain Noudéhou. Costs for delivering aid have risen with…

Sep

01

2020

By The African Mirror

Niger floods kill 51, drive thousands from their homes

NEWS

SEVERE flooding in Niger this month has killed 51 people and destroyed thousands of homes after torrential rains caused rivers to burst their banks, authorities said on Monday. Floods are common during Niger’s rainy season, when overflowing rivers and streams sweep away homes and destroy crops. Since flooding started earlier in August, over 26,000 houses have collapsed, killing 37 people, while 14 others drowned, the ministry for humanitarian response said in a statement. President Mahamadou Issoufou visited District 5 of the capital Niamey on Monday, which had been flooded by the adjacent Niger River. Residents stood ankle-deep in brown water…