Democratic-Congo's disaster city

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has declared the country'ssecond largest city Kisangani, a disaster zone.

It follows extensive flooding of the city which is located on the north east bend of the Congo river.

The river burst its banks on Sunday and the subsequent flooding has rendered more than nine thousand people homeless, but no deaths have been reported.

Kisangani has been without water and electricity since last weekend and the provincial authorities have appealed to the business community to help the displaced people.

Aid workers have expressed concern over the possible spread of water-borne diseases and aid agencies and the UN - together with other aid agencies - is flying urgent medical supplies to the city.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service