Lightning strikes claim two

TWO people were killed by lightning between Thursday and Friday, as heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, pounded parts of the country, leaving a trail of destruction in five provinces.

In a statement, director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Mr Gabriel Masvora said rains and flash flooding also damaged dozens of houses and public buildings.

“In Masvingo, heavy rains were received in Mwenezi last night (Friday), leading to flash floods,” said Mr Masvora.

“Two houses had their roofs blown off at Chingwizi, but no one was left homeless and no injuries or fatalities were recorded.

“In Chivi district, a 21-year-old man from Gondovori Village was struck by lightning on January 5 and died instantly.”

In Manicaland, he said, heavy rains destroyed classroom blocks at Mushakavanhu Primary School in Chipinge, while a house was damaged at the ZRP Tongogara Refugee Camp.

“Two beasts were struck by lightning at Rusitu,” he added.

“In Buhera, the roof of a Government house belonging to Agritex was blown off.

“Headman Murambinda’s house was damaged by winds.”

In Mutare district, added Mr Masvora, a 12-year-old boy was fatally struck by lightning on Friday. He said damage was also reported in Matabeleland South province, where roofs of two classroom blocks were blown off at Ngwanyanga Primary School in Mangwe.

“In Midlands, six houses in Ward 3 were destroyed by winds, bringing the total of houses damaged by wind to eight so far in the same ward.

“In Gokwe North, six houses were destroyed in Ward 20, while one was damaged in Ward 21.”

There was also extensive damage to property in Matabeleland North, where strong winds blew off three roofs of staff quarters and destroyed 10 blair toilets at Mathetshaneni School in Nkayi.

Mr Masvora said Government had activated its emergency response mechanism to help limit the damage and loss of life.

“Government interventions include information dissemination through alert messages in the media and social media platforms.

“Civil protection command centres at all levels remain activated for response and coordination. Mobilisation of resources is ongoing for affected communities.”

He said the Department of Civil Protection was engaging the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as Save the Children, for provision of temporary tents to assist affected schools.

All provinces have identified possible evacuation centres, he added.