Natural Disasters Lead to Significant Casualties This Rainy Season
Natural disasters this rainy season have caused 39 deaths, primarily from lightning strikes and structural failures. The number of injuries has reached 483, with significant increases in affected households and displaced individuals. Dodma has responded by providing essential aid to many of those impacted by these events.
Natural disasters have resulted in 39 fatalities this rainy season, as reported by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma). Most deaths are attributed to lightning strikes, with 26 lives lost, while the remaining 13 were caused by collapsing walls of houses. Notably, two infants were among the victims of lightning in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District, contributing to a total of 483 injuries, mainly from lightning and structural damages.
Dodma Public Relations Officer Chipiliro Khamula indicated that this death toll is over double that of the previous rainy season, where only 17 fatalities and 67 injuries were reported by now. The ongoing rainy season has drastically affected more individuals, with the number of impacted households exceeding that of the previous year.
As of March 5, 2025, about 40,178 households, impacting approximately 180,801 individuals, have faced various natural disasters including floods and strong winds. This marks a significant increase from 35,661 households reported on February 7, 2025, indicating a concerning trend in weather-related calamities. Among those affected, 809 households have been displaced due to these disasters.
In response to the crisis, Dodma has provided assistance to 80% of the affected households, distributing essential items such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary shelter. The organized effort aims to mitigate the effects of the ongoing natural disasters and aid those most affected in the region.
The ongoing rainy season has seen a significant rise in fatalities and injuries due to natural disasters, with lightning being the leading cause. The substantial increase in affected households and the assistance provided by Dodma highlight the severity of the situation. As the death toll rises and weather-related incidents escalate, continued support and strategic response efforts are crucial to assist the impacted populations effectively.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
