Mozambique: Lightning Strikes Result in Casualties and Infrastructure Damage in Zambézia

Severe lightning strikes in Zambézia province, Mozambique, have led to seventeen fatalities and multiple injuries since October. Heavy rains caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, prompting disaster response efforts. The INGD has provided relief supplies and established communication initiatives to aid affected families and rebuild communities.

Severe weather in Zambézia province, Mozambique, has resulted in the deaths of at least seventeen individuals due to lightning strikes since October of the previous year, with an additional forty-six people injured. Local authorities reported that over 120 families have also been affected by heavy rains and subsequent flooding in the area.

Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), shared this information during the 1st Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council in Quelimane. The rainy season has brought moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly impacting districts such as Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, and Quelimane, causing significant infrastructural damage.

Statistics reveal that more than 800 homes were completely destroyed, while 1,300 structures—including nine health facilities and 46 schools—sustained partial damage. This has disrupted education for approximately 22,000 students and affected 390 teachers. Furthermore, essential infrastructure such as 63.94 kilometers of roads were adversely affected, leading to fallen electricity transmission poles and flooded agricultural land.

In response to this crisis, the INGD has distributed essential supplies, including food and non-food items like tents and water purifiers, to the most vulnerable districts. Multi-purpose assistance has reached 120 families in Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo. The INGD has also pre-positioned nine boats for districts including Chinde and Quelimane to facilitate relief efforts.

Avelino Muchine, the Secretary of State for Zambézia, emphasized the need for improved communication and collaboration with media outlets to mitigate the impact of such disasters. He underscored the necessity for the government to mobilize resources effectively and seek both national and international partnerships to rebuild the damaged infrastructure.

The severe weather conditions in Zambézia province have caused tragic loss of life and extensive destruction. Efforts by local authorities to assist affected families and restore essential services are underway. The ongoing collaboration between the INGD and various partners is crucial for effective disaster response and recovery, highlighting the importance of improved communication to address future emergencies.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com