The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has disclosed that during this rainy season fifty eight thousand four hundred and eight (58,408) people have been affected by disasters in several districts of the country.

DoDMA Public Relations Officer Chipililo Khamula confirmed, saying the number of death of people has risen from 42 to 49.

“Out of the 49, 28 people were killed after being struck by lightning and about 105 people sustained various degrees of injury. Most disasters happening now are associated with the rains,” said Khamula.

Khamula said the department will not stop helping affected households in the country with different relief items.

According to Khamula, the department has so far reached out to forty one thousand five hundred and twenty six (41,526)people and nine thousand two hundred and twenty eight (9,228) households.

The department has since urged people to be observant of weather updates as one way of preventing disasters.