BINGA’S Chief Siabuwa has expressed concern over the recurrent damage being caused by lightning and floods in the area after four people were struck to death by lightning last week.
Reports state that tragedy struck the family in Chabwidi under Chief Siabuwa when heavy rains pounded the district.
Belitha Munkuli (79) died together with her grandchildren Meekness Munkuli (11) and Accept Bulemu (5) and a neighbour Rudo Muzamba when lightning struck a thatched hut they were sleeping in.
Siabuwa called on the people in the area to pay heed to weather warnings during the rainy season.
“I am urging the community here to be more vigilant to avoid accidents during this rainy season. There is need to take precautions, for example, a saddening incident just happened here where four people were struck dead by lightning leaving the mother alone. And, of course, people must not seek shelter under trees when it’s raining,” he said.
“But in the recent incident, lightning struck the people while at their home and if you take a look where the cold air and hot air mix, it becomes the main cause. The neighbours tried to rescue them, but they failed because the door was locked from inside. It was very difficult and if the door was opened maybe they were going to survive.”
Siabuwa said villagers should take extra precautions, adding that the rain at times would be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
“So if the rains come, people should not sit under tall trees. They should try by all means to be in a safe place because lightning strikes the tallest objects in that area. Then again people should desist from crossing flooded rivers including schoolchildren,” he said.
“They rather wait till one is able to cross the bridge or river. I remember this year again around January, we had an incident whereby children were swimming in a flooded river and one of them was swept away by the strong current.”
