Natural Disasters Result in 39 Fatalities and Significant Impacts This Rainy Season
Natural disasters have resulted in 39 fatalities and 483 injuries this rainy season, primarily due to lightning. The death toll is significantly higher compared to the previous season, with over 40,000 households affected. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs is providing aid to those impacted.
Natural disasters have tragically resulted in the loss of 39 lives during the current rainy season, as reported by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) through a statement by Commissioner for Disaster, Charles Kalemba. This report highlights that a significant portion of these fatalities, specifically 26, were due to lightning strikes, while 13 were caused by walls collapsing due to severe weather conditions.
The statement also notes heartbreaking incidents involving two infants, only three months old, who were fatally struck by lightning in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District. Additionally, the number of reported injuries has increased to 483 from a previous total of 469, with lightning and structural damage being the primary causes of these injuries.
In a separate interview, Dodma Public Relations Officer, Chipiliro Khamula, revealed that the current death toll exceeds that of the entire 2023/24 rainy season, which recorded only 17 deaths and 67 injuries up to this point. Furthermore, the statement states that the impact of natural disasters, particularly floods, has significantly increased, affecting over twice as many individuals compared to last year.
As of March 5, 2025, the total number of households impacted by various natural disasters, including stormy rains and hailstorms, has risen from 35,661, as reported previously, to 40,178, thus affecting approximately 180,801 individuals. Out of these affected households, 809 have been displaced as a result of the disasters.
In response to this ongoing crisis, the department has successfully provided assistance to 80 percent of the impacted households. Relief efforts have included the distribution of food and essential non-food items such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets intended for temporary roofing.
In summary, the season has witnessed a significant increase in fatalities and injuries due to natural disasters, particularly lightning strikes and structural collapses. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs is actively responding to the growing crisis by providing aid to affected households. The number of households impacted this season is markedly higher than in previous years, indicating a more severe impact from the natural disasters occurring this rainy season.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
