This rainy season has led to 39 fatalities and 483 injuries due to natural disasters, mainly from lightning and collapsing structures. The number of affected households has risen substantially, prompting Dodma to assist a majority with vital supplies. Current casualty figures reflect a concerning increase compared to last year’s rainy season.
Natural disasters have resulted in 39 fatalities during the current rainy season, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma). Most deaths were attributed to lightning strikes, with 26 fatalities, while 13 were due to collapsing walls of homes. Among the deceased are two infants, aged three months, from Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District.
Injuries have also increased, rising from 469 to 483, predominantly due to lightning incidents and structural damages from the storms. Dodma Public Relations Officer Chipiliro Khamula noted that the current death toll is more than double that of the same period in the preceding rainy season, which recorded 17 deaths and 67 injuries among 73,345 affected individuals.
The severity of the situation is clear. The number of households affected by various natural disasters, including floods and storms, has surged from 35,661 to 40,178 since the onset of the rainy season, impacting approximately 180,801 people. Out of those, 809 families have found themselves displaced due to the conditions.
In response to these disasters, Dodma has successfully provided assistance to 80 percent of affected households, distributing essential supplies such as maize, beans, blankets, and temporary roofing materials like plastic sheets. The department continues its operations to mitigate the effects of these natural disasters on the community.
The current rainy season has proven devastating, with 39 lives lost and numerous injuries recorded primarily due to lightning and structural collapses. The significant increase in affected households highlights the urgency of disaster response efforts, as Dodma continues to supply necessary relief to those in need. The data illustrates a stark rise in casualties compared to previous seasons, urging a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
