Zambia: Two people have died after they were swept away by water waves in Lua-Luo River. The incident took place after a heavy downpour in Kasama District on Sunday.
Zambia is currently in the middle of the rainy season, wherein the weather can be characterized by heavy rains and downpours. The weather conditions in the various districts of the country have caused significant loss of life and property in the previous months.
The officials believe that the incident happened between yesterday and Saturday around 18:00 hours and at 06:00 hours today. The people are suspected to have drowned to their deaths due to the current of the river which rose due to the rain.
Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Lucky Munkondya has identified the two victims as Chisenga Ngalamika between the ages of 45 and 50 and Charles Mugala, 25. Both the deceased were residents of Kasama.
The investigation into the incident have started and the Northern Province Police Commanding Officer has provided some details about the circumstances of the incident. She said the deceased, who were believed to have been drunk.
The met their fate when they attempted to cross the bridge after a heavy downpour.
The Police Commanding Officer said in a statement released to the media on Sunday, February 4 that the incident was reported to the police by relatives of the deceased.
Commanding Officer Munkondya said Police visited the scene and conducted a physical inspection. After the preliminary investigation, the officials observed that there were no physical injuries on the bodies of the deceased victims.
She said the bodies of the two have been retrieved and were positively identified by their relatives.
Their bodies are currently deposited in Kasama General Hospital Mortuary, awaiting other formalities while they have opened an inquiry file.
The police officials and other law enforcement authorities have been urging the residents of the country to remain safe. They have been barred from trying to cross rivers and bridges during or after heavy rains to protect themselves.