Mozambique: Lightning Strikes Claim Lives and Cause Destruction in Zambézia
Mozambique’s Zambézia province has seen 17 fatalities and 46 injuries from lightning strikes since last October. Heavy rains caused significant damage, including the destruction of homes and infrastructure. Local authorities have provided assistance to affected families and emphasized the importance of effective communication for disaster management.
In the Zambézia province of Mozambique, at least 17 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes since October of the previous year. Furthermore, there have been 46 reported injuries linked to these incidents. Local authorities have also indicated that assistance has been extended to 120 families affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in the region during this period.
As reported by Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), significant rainfall, averaging around 30 millimeters within 24 hours, has been experienced in various districts, including Morrumbala and Quelimane. The adverse weather conditions have led to the complete destruction of over 800 homes and have partially damaged approximately 1,300 structures, including nine healthcare facilities and 46 schools, thereby disrupting educational activities for about 22,000 students and 390 teachers.
The rainfall has also inflicted severe damage to infrastructure, including 63.94 kilometers of roads and the collapse of 44 electricity transmission poles. Additionally, flooding has affected 36 hectares of agricultural land, exacerbating the plight of the local population. To mitigate the impact of these disasters, the INGD has pre-positioned essential supplies such as oil, soap, rice, flour, and tents in vulnerable districts, including Luabo and Namacurra.
Assistance for 120 families in the Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo districts has been rendered, providing food and non-food items, such as tents and water purifiers. Furthermore, nine boats have been strategically allocated for distribution among various districts, with two boats designated for Quelimane. The local government is also collaborating with partners to enhance the available resources for disaster relief efforts.
In light of the current challenges, Secretary of State for Zambézia, Avelino Muchine, emphasized the necessity for the INGD to enhance communication and foster stronger partnerships with the media to better manage the repercussions of such disasters. He underscored the urgent need for the government to mobilize resources and seek both national and international collaboration to promptly restore the damaged infrastructure.
The report highlights the serious impact of lightning strikes and heavy rainfall in Zambézia, Mozambique, resulting in tragic loss of life and extensive infrastructural damage. Authorities are actively engaged in relief efforts, providing essential supplies and support to affected families. Continuous collaboration and communication efforts are critical for managing current challenges and ensuring the swift recovery of the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
