In Zambézia, Mozambique, lightning strikes have caused 17 fatalities and injured 46 individuals since October. The INGD reported extensive damage due to heavy rains, with over 800 homes destroyed and significant disruptions to education. Emergency assistance has been allocated to affected families, and local officials stressed the need for improved communication and partnerships to tackle these disasters.
In the province of Zambézia, Mozambique, lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least seventeen individuals and left 46 others injured since October of the previous year. The local authorities reported that during this timeframe, assistance was provided to 120 families severely affected by heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), presented this information during the 1st Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council held in Quelimane. He explained that the rainy season has brought moderate to heavy rainfall, sometimes accumulating to 30 millimeters within 24 hours, affecting several districts, including Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, and Quelimane.
The adverse weather conditions have caused significant destruction, leading to the total collapse of over 800 homes. Additionally, approximately 1,300 structures, including nine health units and 46 schools, have suffered partial damage, disrupting education for 22,000 students and impacting 390 teachers.
Moreover, infrastructure has been severely affected, with 63.94 kilometers of roads rendered unusable, the collapse of 44 electricity transmission poles, and flooding affecting 36 hectares of agricultural land. In response, the INGD pre-positioned essential supplies such as food items and hygiene products in districts vulnerable to severe weather.
Multi-purpose assistance, including food and non-food items, was provided to 120 families located in the districts of Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo. To further aid in recovery efforts, nine vessels were strategically pre-positioned for distribution to various districts, ensuring timely evacuations and relief efforts where necessary.
Avelino Muchine, the Secretary of State for Zambézia, has called upon the INGD to enhance communication and collaborate more effectively with media outlets to mitigate the effects of future disasters. He emphasized that the government must mobilize resources and establish both national and international partnerships to facilitate the rapid reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure.
In summary, the province of Zambézia is facing significant challenges due to severe weather events, including lightning strikes that have tragically claimed lives and injured many. The local government has outlined the destruction caused by recent rains, highlighting the urgent need for assistance and infrastructure repair. Coordinated efforts between the government, local authorities, and international partners are critical for effective disaster management and recovery.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
