Rain-Related Accidents Claim Lives of 42 People

Malawi: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reported that 42 people have died and 85 others have sustained injuries due to rain-related disasters since the start of the rainy season, writes Gloria Masanza-Kanyang’wa.

These disasters have affected a total of 9,321 households, or approximately 41,994 people, in 24 districts, including Balaka, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Nsanje, Salima, and Thyolo.

Of the 42 deaths, 28 were caused by lightning strikes, and 14 resulted from collapsed buildings.

The disasters have also caused damage to houses, schools, roads, and hospitals.

DoDMA has provided relief items, including maize, tents, housing units, kitchen utensils, and plastic sheets, to 8,227 affected households.