At least Two People Die After Being Struck by Lightning

A number of two people have died on the spot while one sustained injuries after being hit by lightning in their houses in Katavi region.

Speaking to the ‘Sunday News’ on Saturday in a phone interview, Mpanda District Commissioner (DC), Ms Jamila Yusuph said the incidents occurred separately in Nsimbo council in Mpanda District on Friday night.

The DC explained that, the first incident occurred at

 Mtapenda Ward where Paschal John (15) died on the spot after being hit by lightning while his mother Agnes Malembe (38) sustained injuries. They were the only dwellers in the house.

“Paschal’s mother sustained injuries and she was rushed to Katavi Regional Referral Hospital here in Mpanda for treatment,”

she said.

Ms Yusuph confirmed that the second incident occurred at Katumba Ward where a man aged between 30 and 35 who was identified as Felix Baligombe succumbed to death after being struck by lightning while he was asleep in his house.

She said the incident occurred at around 8: 00 pm on November 10 this year.

She called upon citizens to take necessary precautions during this rainy season by shunning from taking refuge under the trees.

In another incident two children have sustained bodily injuries while several people have been rendered homeless after 31 houses were destroyed following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds which lasted for two hours.

The villages which were affected include Tunkoma village at Itenka Ward in Nsimbo Council in Mpanda District, Katavi Region.

The Mpanda District Commissioner (DC) Ms Jamila Yusuph   confirmed the incident.

“Thanks God that no any injuries that have been reported so far but it has been confirmed that two minors have sustained injuries after the wall of the house they were in fell on them”

she added.

She further said that the actual damage caused by the rainfall was yet to be established.

“We should wait until the assessment team delivers its findings to the relevant authorities”

she added.

Itenka Ward Executive Officer (WEO), Mr Yegele Samike said the incident wrecked havoc to the residents from the precinct.

“Almost the roofs of the houses were ripped off and some of the walls of the houses collapsed due to the rains which lasted for two hours.

A cross section of the victims interviewed separately called upon the government and aid agencies to come forward and provide them with relief supplies including temporary shelters as their houses have been badly damaged.

Share And Comment Bellow On What You Think About This Post!!!