Natural disasters have claimed 39 lives this rainy season, with 26 deaths from lightning and 13 from collapsing structures. The affected population has surged, with over 40,000 households impacted and 80% receiving aid from Dodma. Fatalities have doubled compared to last year, marking a significant increase in natural disaster impact.
The recent rainy season has resulted in the tragic loss of 39 lives due to natural disasters, as announced by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) and relayed by Commissioner Charles Kalemba. The majority of these fatalities, specifically 26, were attributed to lightning strikes, with 13 deaths occurring due to collapsing walls of homes.
Among the recent victims are two infants, each only three months old, who were fatally impacted by lightning in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District. In addition to the fatalities, there are now 483 recorded injuries related to these disasters, primarily from lightning and structural failures.
In a separate comment, Dodma Public Relations Officer Chipiliro Khamula noted that this year’s death toll is more than double that of the previous season, during which 17 deaths and 67 injuries were recorded among 73,345 affected individuals. This year’s figures highlight a significant increase in the impact of natural disasters compared to the last rainy season.
Furthermore, the recent statement from Dodma indicates that the number of households affected by various natural disasters, including storms and floods, surged from 35,661 reported on February 7, 2025, to 40,178—affecting approximately 180,801 individuals. As a result, 809 households have been forcibly displaced due to this crisis.
In response, the Department has successfully delivered aid to 80 percent of the affected families, providing necessities such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary shelter.
In summary, the current rainy season has resulted in an alarming increase in fatalities and injuries due to natural disasters, particularly from lightning strikes and structural failures. With a significant rise in affected households compared to the previous year, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs has mobilized extensive resources to provide essential aid to those impacted. Continuous efforts are vital to mitigate the effects of future disasters and enhance community resilience.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
