Zambézia province in Mozambique has reported 17 deaths and 46 injuries due to lightning strikes since October. Heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding, destroying over 800 homes and affecting education for thousands. The INGD has mobilized essential supplies and positioned boats for disaster response, while officials stress the need for better communication and partnerships.
The province of Zambézia in Mozambique has suffered severe weather impacts, resulting in at least 17 fatalities due to lightning strikes and 46 additional injuries since October of the previous year. Local authorities reported that this period also saw heavy rains and flooding affecting around 120 families. Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), shared these updates during the 1st Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council in Quelimane.
Significant rainfall has been recorded in Zambézia, with some areas experiencing up to 30 millimeters within a 24-hour timeframe. The districts most affected by this weather include Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, Maganja da Costa, Chinde, Milange, Mocuba, and Quelimane. As a result, over 800 homes were completely destroyed, and around 1,300 structures, including nine health units and 46 schools, suffered partial damage, disrupting education for 22,000 students and 390 teachers.
Infrastructure also took a hit, with 63.94 kilometers of roads affected, 44 electricity transmission poles downed, and 36 hectares of agricultural land flooded. In response, the INGD has pre-positioned essential supplies such as oil, soap, rice, flour, and tents in several districts vulnerable to flooding. Targeted areas include Luabo, Maganja da Costa, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Namacurra, Chinde Inhassunge, and Nicoadala.
Furthermore, 120 families in Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo received support in the form of food and non-food items, including tents, buckets, and water purifiers. To facilitate further assistance, nine vessels have been allocated, one for each of the districts of Chinde, Namacurra, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa, and Mopeia, with two boats designated for Quelimane. These resources complement the support from various partners.
Avelino Muchine, the Secretary of State for Zambézia, emphasized the importance of improving communication efforts and building stronger media partnerships to mitigate the effects of disasters. He acknowledged that the prevailing situation necessitates government mobilization for resources and highlights the importance of securing national and international partnerships to expedite the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
The situation in Zambézia underscores the urgent need for disaster preparedness and effective communication strategies in mitigating the impacts of severe weather. With numerous homes destroyed and educational facilities affected, the government faces the challenge of mobilizing resources and forming partnerships to restore infrastructure. Continued support for the affected families and communities is essential for recovery and resilience against future disasters.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
