Natural Disasters in Current Rainy Season Result in 39 Fatalities

Natural disasters this rainy season have resulted in 39 deaths, predominantly from lightning strikes, with an increase in both fatalities and injuries compared to the previous year. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs reports that over 40,178 households are affected, and aid has reached 80 percent of these households.

Natural disasters during the current rainy season have resulted in 39 fatalities, as reported by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma). According to Commissioner for Disaster Charles Kalemba, the majority of these deaths were caused by lightning strikes, with 26 fatalities attributed to this phenomenon and 13 resulting from the collapse of walls.

Among the victims are two infants, only three months old, who unfortunately lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District. Furthermore, the number of reported injuries has risen to 483, primarily caused by similar incidents involving lightning and structural damage from falling walls and roofs.

Dodma Public Relations Officer Chipiliro Khamula highlighted that fatalities this season have significantly exceeded that of the previous year, noting that only 17 deaths had been recorded at the same point during the 2023/24 rainy season, alongside 67 injuries from a total of 73,345 affected individuals.

The report elaborated that the scale of the impact from natural disasters has intensified, with affected individuals and households more than doubling compared to last year. As of March 5, 2025, over 40,178 households, affecting approximately 180,801 people, have been reported as impacted by recurrent disasters, including storms and floods, which is an increase from 35,661 reported earlier this month.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Dodma has managed to assist 80 percent of the affected households, providing essential supplies such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.

The recent statistics from Dodma emphasize a tragic increase in fatalities and injuries due to natural disasters during the current rainy season, particularly related to lightning strikes and collapsing structures. In response to this escalating situation, efforts are being made to provide aid to the vast number of affected households, showcasing a proactive approach to disaster management.

Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com