Malawi: Two women have died in Phalombe after being struck by lightning. The lightning incident has also affected 12 other victims, who are currently recieving treatment.
The victims were treated as outpatients at Nambazo Health Centre in the district following various injuries they suffered from the attack. The lighting accident has claimed the life of several victims over the years.
The authorities have shared that it is important for the people to exercise caution and take preventive measures when the weather is unpredictable. The weather offices across Southern Africa share constant official weather conditions and updates.
The officials have shared that the matter was reported to the officials of the Phalombe Police Station. The officials have shared that shared that Phalombe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Jimmy Kapanja, confirmed the incident.
He has confirmed that an autopsy has established that cause of death was electrocution. The officials have shared that the Police officers have identified the deceased as Alice Masiye, aged 64 and Estere Gomani aged 40.
The officials have shared that both these victims from Mua Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwalo in the district. The officials have shared that it is the accident happened on Saturday. The lightning struck when the victims were together for a self help group meeting.
“On 18 January (Saturday) at around 3pm, the Ameli Mua Loans and Savings Group, comprising 20 women were holding a meeting when heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning began and 14 members of the group were struck,” said Kapanja.
The police have officially advised people to follow all precautionary measures as well as take instruction from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services on how to avoid weather related shocks.
The members of the community are saddened by the sudden incident and have extended their condolences to the families that were left bereft. The people also hoped for a quick recovery for the women who are recieving treatment.