Mozambique: Lightning Strikes Result in Deaths and Severe Damage in Zambézia

In Zambézia, Mozambique, lightning strikes have led to 17 deaths and 46 injuries since October. Local authorities report significant rain-induced damage, with over 800 homes destroyed and impacts on education affecting over 22,000 students. Assistance is being provided to affected families, and infrastructure damage highlights the need for improved disaster response and communication efforts from the INGD.

In Mozambique’s Zambézia province, lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least seventeen individuals, with 46 others sustaining injuries since October. During this same timeframe, local authorities indicated that 120 families experienced significant impacts from heavy rains and flooding. Helder da Costa, provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), presented this information at a recent State Representation Council meeting in Quelimane.

As the rainy season progresses, Zambézia has seen moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas reporting over 30 millimeters within 24 hours. The districts affected include Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, Maganja da Costa, Chinde, Milange, Mocuba, and Quelimane. The severe weather has led to more than 800 homes being completely destroyed and an additional 1,300 partially damaged, which includes nine health facilities and 46 schools, impacting around 22,000 students and 390 teachers.

Road infrastructure has also suffered with 63.94 kilometers of roads being damaged, alongside the destruction of 44 electricity transmission poles and flooding affecting 36 hectares of agricultural land. In response, the INGD has pre-positioned essential supplies such as cooking oil, soap, rice, flour, and tents in vulnerable districts like Luabo, Maganja da Costa, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Namacurra, Chinde, Inhassunge, and Nicoadala.

Multi-purpose assistance, including food and non-food items, has been distributed to 120 families in the Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo districts. Additionally, nine vessels have been stationed to aid transport in Chinde, Namacurra, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa, and Mopeia, with two boats allocated for Quelimane. These resources come in collaboration with partner organizations.

Avelino Muchine, Secretary of State for Zambézia, emphasized the need for the INGD to enhance communication and build partnerships with the media to mitigate disaster impacts. He stated that the prevailing conditions necessitate the government to mobilize resources urgently and seek both national and international partnerships to expedite the restoration of the damaged infrastructure.

The report highlights the severe impacts of lightning strikes and flooding in Zambézia, Mozambique, leading to 17 fatalities and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and educational facilities. Local authorities are responding by providing assistance to affected families and pre-positioning essential supplies. The government is urged to improve disaster communication and mobilize resources for rebuilding efforts.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com