TORRENTIAL rains in the south west of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has left 30 people dead, tens of others injured and 150 families homeless.

The rain hit the town of Kikwit in Bandundu province on January 13-14, causing loss of life and property, according to a statement obtained by Xinhua on Tuesday by Kikwit Deputy Mayor Kasanji Tshez. No home in Kikwit was spared, he said.

Both residential and public buildings were washed away by the rain water.

Boutiques as well as shops were equally affected by the heavy rain, leaving several families in the town homeless without any assistance,” Kasanji said.

He appealed to the government to quickly intervene and help the affected people.

Kikwit is a town situated on a lower ground with some buildings being in danger of heavy rains.

It has been rendered a ghost town several times after downpour.