By Chisomo Phiri

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs ( DoDMA) has disclosed that so far, Forty-nine people have died since the onset of the rainy season due to stormy rains and lightning in the country.

In a statement, the department says of the 49, 28 people died due to lightning strikes while 21 died due to collapsed walls following stormy rains and strong winds.

It adds that, so far, 105 people have sustained various degree of injuries.

Cumulatively, 12 978 households (approximately 58 401 people), have been affected.

“The disasters have also caused damage to roads, schools and hospitals,” reads the statement in part.

It adds ” The department has also received preliminary reports on damages caused by heavy rains, strong winds and stormy rains that have affected Mulanje, Likoma and Mchinji Districts; respectively.”

Meanwhile, the department says, currently, it has reached out to 9,228 households (approximately 41,526 people) with relief assistance which include food and non-food items namely; maize, family tents, housing units, kitchen utensils and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.