The disaster occurred overnight on Sunday near the banks of the Congo river, in the northern city of Lisala, the capital of Mongala province.

Seven women, seven men and three children under five years died.

They were buried the same day due to lack of space to keep them at the local mortuary, Lisala official Désiré Koyo told the BBC.

The deaths followed days of torrential rain. Witnesses said several houses along the river had been submerged and residents were struggling to rescue people from the rubble.

The governor of Mongala, César Limbaya, sent his condolences to all the families of the deceased.

He has declared three days of mourning starting from Monday, during which flags will be flying at half mast.