Natural Disasters Result in 39 Fatalities Amid Rainy Season
Natural disasters in the current rainy season have caused 39 deaths, predominantly due to lightning, with a notable increase in injuries and affected households compared to previous seasons. Dodma has reached out to most affected households with essential supplies to mitigate the impact.
Natural disasters have tragically resulted in the deaths of 39 individuals during the current rainy season, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma). This report, released by Commissioner for Disaster Charles Kalemba, reveals that lightning strikes have been responsible for a significant number of fatalities, as well as falling walls of homes.
The statistics indicate that 26 out of the 39 recorded deaths were attributed to lightning strikes, while 13 fatalities resulted from structural damage. Notably, the most recent casualties include two infants, aged three months, who were struck by lightning in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District. Additionally, injuries have escalated from 469 to 483, primarily due to similar causes.
In a separate statement, Dodma Public Relations Officer Chipiliro Khamula noted that the current death toll is over twice as high compared to the previous rainy season, where only 17 deaths and 67 injuries were reported among 73,345 affected individuals.
The report also highlights a significant increase in the number of people impacted by natural disasters such as floods, now exceeding last year’s figures. Since the onset of the rainy season on March 5, 2025, the number of households affected has surged from 35,661 to 40,178, affecting approximately 180,801 individuals. Among these, 809 households have been displaced.
In response to these challenges, Dodma has successfully distributed assistance to 80 percent of affected households, providing essential items such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.
The ongoing rainy season has led to a substantial increase in death and injury tolls due to natural disasters, particularly from lightning strikes and damaged structures. The number of affected households has significantly risen, necessitating an expanded humanitarian response. Consequently, Dodma has made considerable efforts to assist those impacted by these calamities, fortifying the vital support required in such perilous times.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
