Three people have died, and significant property damage, including the destruction of houses, has been reported following a powerful rainstorm in the area of Senior Chief Symon in Neno District.
According to Brighton Mphinga, a disaster management official in the district, two of the victims were swept away by the Lisungwi River, while another died after being struck by lightning.
“The lightning struck a family of five, causing four members to collapse immediately, while 29-year-old Alinafe Eliyasi, the mother of the family, died upon arrival at Lisungwi Health Center,” Mphinga explained.
He also mentioned that the two men swept away by the river were identified as Petro Chakanika, who was carried off while crossing the swollen river, and 61-year-old Kenneth Gawaza, both residents of Senior Chief Symon’s area.
Investigations are ongoing, and several people have been injured as houses have collapsed and been damaged across the region.
