Guardian – At least 126 people have died and dozens remain missing after a boat sank in Lake Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩 (03.10.2024)
The boat, carrying around 450 passengers, sank amid the tragedy. Authorities in North Kivu province report that 45 people have been rescued, while the search for the missing continues.
The governor of South Kivu province said the death toll was 78 so far and that 278 had been onboard. “It’ll take at least three days to get the exact numbers, because not all the bodies have been found yet,” Jean-Jacques Purisi told Reuters.
The route across Lake Kivu has become overcrowded and increasingly used because fighting in the region between government forces and the M23 rebels has made roads dangerous or impassable.
Between Goma and Minova, lorries transporting food and other supplies are being stopped or raided, forcing many traders to transport goods across Lake Kivu. The insecurity has also pushed the cost of road transport beyond most people’s reach.
Nuru Alpha, 27, lives in Goma. Twelve of his family members were onboard the boat; he had been awaiting their arrival for several days.
“On this ship, I had family members. Unfortunately, two of them died. Three are in hospital, and I haven’t heard from seven others so far,” he said.
