Storm kills 17 in north Congo river boats: Radio

Kinshasa, May 22: At least 17 people drowned in a river in northern Democratic Republic of Congo when the two dug-out boats they were travelling in were caught in a heavy storm, a UN-backed radio station said today.

Five people survived yesterday's accident on the river Uele, 25 km from the northern town of Yakoma, according to the report on Radio Okapi, which broadcasts across the vast central African country, citing local officials.

It said the passengers were members of a church group aged between 12 and 35 on their way to a religious gathering.

With just 600 km of paved road in a country roughly the size of western Europe, the mighty river Congo and its many tributaries snaking through the jungle provide a crucial mode of transport for villagers.

But boats are often overloaded with passengers and goods and accidents are frequent, particularly on swollen rivers during the rainy season.

Reuters>