Mozambique: Tragic Toll of Lightning Strikes in Zambézia Province

In Zambézia province, Mozambique, recent lightning strikes have resulted in 17 deaths and 46 injuries since October. The rainy season has caused extensive damage, including over 800 destroyed homes and interruptions to education for 22,000 students. Authorities are providing assistance to affected families and pre-positioning essential supplies in vulnerable districts.

Mozambique has reported a tragic toll resulting from lightning strikes in Zambézia province, with at least seventeen fatalities and 46 injuries since the onset of the rainy season in October of the previous year. Local authorities have indicated that assistance was extended to 120 families significantly impacted by heavy rains and floods during the same period. This information was disclosed by Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), during the 1st Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council in Quelimane.

The rainy season has brought moderate to heavy rainfall, reaching up to 30 millimeters within a 24-hour span, particularly affecting districts such as Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, Maganja da Costa, Chinde, Milange, Mocuba, and Quelimane. The aftermath of this severe weather has been devastating, with over 800 homes completely destroyed and an additional 1,300 structures – including nine health facilities and 46 schools – partially damaged, thereby disrupting education for 22,000 students and 390 teachers.

In terms of infrastructure, the storms caused damage to 63.94 kilometers of roads, resulted in the collapse of 44 electricity transmission poles, and inundated 36 hectares of agricultural land. In response to these challenges, Mr. da Costa stated that essential goods, including oil, soap, rice, flour, tents, and other supplies, have been pre-positioned in weather-vulnerable districts such as Luabo, Maganja da Costa, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Namacurra, Chinde Inhassunge, and Nicoadala.

Moreover, 120 families in the districts of Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo received multi-purpose assistance, which included provisions for food and non-food items, such as tents, buckets, and water purifiers. The official also reported that nine vessels have been prepared for allocation to the districts of Chinde, Namacurra, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa, and Mopeia, with two boats designated for Quelimane. In addition to INGD resources, partnerships with other organizations are expected to contribute to these efforts.

Avelino Muchine, the Secretary of State for Zambézia, emphasized the importance of enhancing communication and collaboration with the media to mitigate disaster impacts. He remarked that the current situation necessitates robust mobilization of resources and the establishment of both national and international partnerships to facilitate the swift reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure.

In summary, Zambézia province in Mozambique is grappling with severe impacts from lightning strikes and heavy rains, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and significant infrastructure damage. The local government and the INGD are actively providing assistance to affected families and pre-positioning vital resources for disaster response. Enhanced communication and partnership efforts are being urged to improve preparedness and recovery from future calamities.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com