By Memory Chatonda
At least 12 deaths have been recorded in the country since the onset of rainy season in November, 2019, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has disclosed.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday in Blantyre, the Department’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chipiliro Khamula attributed the incidents to lightning strikes that hit the country’ districts leading to loss of life.
He said the Department has since instituted different precautionary measures including sensitization campaigns to the general public aimed at reducing risks of being struck by lightning.
“We have tripled our efforts on precautionary measures. Under this, we are advising communities to avoid seeking shelter under the tree and weak infrastructures. We are encouraging them to stay away from power lines among others.
“Our aim is to reach out to many people with similar messages through various media platforms thereby protect lives,” the PRO explained.
According Khamula, the Department is currently working hand in hand with the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Service to have lightening detection equipments installed at a full scale.
“Of course the equipment was in operation but with support from Government, Green Climate Fund and United Nations Development Programmes,we plan to scale it up,” he said.
