Severe Lightning Strikes Lead to Fatalities and Flooding in Zambézia

Seventeen deaths and 46 injuries have been reported due to lightning strikes in Zambézia since last October. Over 800 homes were destroyed in recent flooding, affecting schools and healthcare. Local authorities have begun providing assistance, including food, tents, and boats to the impacted districts. The need for improved communication and resource mobilization has been emphasized by the Secretary of State for Zambézia.

At least seventeen individuals have tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Zambézia, with an additional 46 sustaining injuries since October of the previous year. Local authorities reported that over 120 families have received support following extensive rains and flooding during this time. This information was disclosed by Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), at the recent Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council in Quelimane.

The province has experienced significant rainfall this rainy season, with some areas recording up to 30 millimeters within a 24-hour period, particularly affecting districts such as Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, Maganja da Costa, Chinde, Milange, Mocuba, and Quelimane. As a direct result, more than 800 homes were completely destroyed, while 1,300 others, alongside nine healthcare facilities and 46 schools, sustained partial damage, disrupting the education of 22,000 students and 390 teachers.

Furthermore, a total of 63.94 kilometers of road infrastructure has been adversely affected, resulting in the collapse of 44 electricity transmission poles, alongside the flooding of 36 hectares of agricultural land. To address these challenges, INGD has strategically pre-positioned essential supplies such as oil, soap, rice, flour, and tents in districts particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, which include Luabo, Maganja da Costa, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Namacurra, Chinde, Inhassunge, and Nicoadala.

In addition to the multi-purpose assistance provided to 120 families in Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo, which included food and non-food items, nine vessels have been strategically located for use in Chinde, Namacurra, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa, and Mopeia, with two additional boats assigned to Quelimane. Mr. da Costa assured that the INGD will collaborate with partner organizations to enhance response efforts.

The Secretary of State for Zambézia, Avelino Muchine, underscored the necessity for INGD to enhance communication and foster partnerships with media entities to mitigate the effects of such disasters. He emphasized the urgency of mobilizing resources and forming national as well as international partnerships to expedite the restoration of the destroyed infrastructure.

In conclusion, Zambézia province is facing significant challenges due to lightning strikes and severe flooding, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. Local authorities are mobilizing resources and providing aid to the affected families while emphasizing the urgency of improving communication and partnerships to mitigate future disaster impacts. Effective coordination and assistance strategies are essential to address the dire needs and restore the affected regions. The situation remains critical as the government seeks to rebuild the affected infrastructure and support the local communities.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com