DRC: Torrential rains leave hundreds homeless

Photo: David Hecht/IRIN

At least 250 people have been left homeless following heavy rains

KINSHASA, 5 September 2008 (IRIN) - At least 250 people have been left homeless following heavy rains on 2 September in the area of Luebo in the Democratic Republic of Congo's province of Kasai Occidental, a humanitarian official said.

"Fifty houses have been destroyed, at least 250 people are now homeless," Marie Kaneku, an official of the Catholic relief agency, Caritas, in Luebo told IRIN. Luebo is located 130 km from the provincial capital of Katanga.

Luebo had torrential rains on the night of 2 September. Heavy rains are common in the area.

Kaneku said the affected people were in need of humanitarian assistance. "Some are living in what was left of their homes, others are staying with other families. They can't use the school because it's roof was carried away and also because the school year has resumed," she said.

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