Severe Weather in Zambézia: Death Toll Rises Due to Lightning Strikes and Flooding

Zambézia province in Mozambique has recorded seventeen deaths and 46 injuries due to lightning strikes and severe flooding since October last year. Authorities have provided aid to 120 families affected by the disasters. Significant damage includes over 800 destroyed homes and disrupted education for 22,000 students. Essential goods and vessels have been pre-positioned for aid, and local officials emphasize the need for improved communication and partnerships for effective disaster management.

At least seventeen fatalities have been reported due to lightning strikes in the Zambézia province of Mozambique since October of the previous year. Additionally, 46 individuals sustained injuries in these incidents. Local authorities disclosed that they had provided assistance to 120 families impacted by severe rains and flooding during the same timeframe.

Hélder da Costa, the provincial delegate of the National Institute for Natural Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), informed the public in Quelimane about the alarming statistics at the recent 1st Ordinary Session of the State Representation Council. He noted that since the onset of the rainy season, the province had experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with levels reaching 30 millimeters within a 24-hour period, particularly affecting the districts of Morrumbala, Alto Molócuè, Maganja da Costa, Chinde, Milange, Mocuba, and Quelimane.

The impact of the storms has been devastating, with over 800 homes completely destroyed and 1,300 partially damaged, which includes nine health facilities and 46 schools. This destruction has disrupted the education of approximately 22,000 students and 390 teachers. Moreover, significant infrastructure damage includes 63.94 kilometers of affected roads, the collapse of 44 electricity transmission poles, and the flooding of 36 hectares of agricultural land.

In response to these challenges, Mr. da Costa indicated that essential goods such as oil, soap, rice, flour, tents, and other supplies had been strategically pre-positioned in the most vulnerable districts, including Luabo, Maganja da Costa, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Namacurra, Chinde Inhassunge, and Nicoadala. Furthermore, 120 families in the districts of Gurué, Luabo, and Molumbo received essential multi-purpose assistance, which included both food and non-food items, such as tents, buckets, and water purification devices.

Additionally, a fleet of nine vessels has been strategically pre-positioned, with one assigned to each of the districts of Chinde, Namacurra, Nicoadala, Maganja da Costa, and Mopeia, alongside two boats designated for Quelimane. Mr. da Costa assured stakeholders that these boats would complement the resources provided by partners. State Secretary for Zambézia, Avelino Muchine, emphasized the critical need for improved communication and stronger partnerships with the media to mitigate disaster impact effectively. He highlighted the situation as a challenge for the government to mobilize resources while also underscoring the necessity of fostering national and international partnerships for the rapid replacement of the damaged infrastructure.

In summary, the province of Zambézia has experienced significant devastation due to lightning strikes and severe flooding, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage. Local authorities are actively responding to the crisis by providing essential assistance to affected families and mobilizing resources for recovery efforts. Moving forward, enhanced communication and collaboration with the media and partners will be crucial in managing the natural disasters’ impacts and facilitating recovery in the region.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com