KIGALI, RWANDA - Two earthquakes struck hours apart Sunday in Rwanda and neighboring Congo, killing at least 39 people, including some who were in a church that collapsed, and injuring nearly 400, officials said.
A magnitude-6.0 quake struck Congo early Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The second quake, which registered 5.0, hit a few hours later in Rwanda's rural Rusizi District near the countries' border.
"I was at home when the earthquake hit, and the next thing I heard was the house falling down," said Florence Nyiranzoga, who was airlifted to the Rwandan capital, Kigali, for treatment of her injuries.
Another victim, also airlifted out, said the death toll was sure to rise.
"I am sure very many people are going to die," she said, adding that the hospital near the quake's center was full.
In Rwanda, 34 people were killed and 231 wounded, according to the Ministry of Health. Frank Mugambage, an official in the president's office, said several were killed when a church collapsed. Rescuers were searching for more victims.
The quake in the Rusizi District of Rwanda rattled Kigali, about 125 miles away.
Across the border in Bukavu, Mayor Raisi Kunda said five people were killed and 149 injured. Kunda said many houses, schools and churches were damaged in the city.
