Congo in bid to resume normal life

A resident stands outside with his belongings after a series of explosions destroyed homes and buildings in the Mpila neighbourhood of Congo Republic's capital Brazzaville March 5, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

BRAZZAVILLE - Normal life is being resumed in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo after Sunday's deadly blasts at a arms depot.

The resumption of social-economic activities is characterized by city transports on Monday, although some schools and businesses in downtown areas remain closed.

Many of the buildings in the city center were damaged in a series of explosions. Until Monday morning, small detonations could be heard in the district of Mpila, where a fire caused the serial explosions at the depot of the Congolese Armed Forces.

An electrical short circuit caused the blasts on Sunday morning, the government said late in the day, putting the official toll at 146 amid widespread reports of 206.

On Monday, state television showed footage of several children for their parents to come and pick them up.

The Congolese government is appealing to the international community for help to deal with the worst situation being faced by the Central African country for years.

Police are put on guard against pillage in the city. Police spokesman Jean Aive Alakoua demands local people attend to their occupations normally.

At least seven bodies were recovered on Monday morning, mostly in the district of Mpila, where many houses were destroyed sparking fears of victims trapped under rubble.

Rescuers including soldiers were searching damaged houses for signs of life, while local residents were awaiting updates of the information on the new findings.

The government has said it would "relocate military barracks"  while setting up shelters in the city for those rendered homeless in the blasts.