Rains kill one, injure 54 in Zomba

One person died and 54 others were injured following heavy rains that damaged several properties, including houses and school blocks in Zomba.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around Ulumba area which covers 16 group village heads under Traditional Authority Chikowi.

The downpour accompanied by whirlwinds, which lasted for about an hour, injured the people after roofs of dozens of homes were blown off and walls collapsed.

Zomba Police Station spokesperson Patricia Sipiliano yesterday said one woman died after sustaining serious injuries.

“The woman was pronounced dead at Zomba Central Hospital where she had been rushed for treatment after sustaining serious injuries,” said Sipiliano.

Ulumba Ward councillor Rodgers Masala said the heavy rains rendered hundreds of households destitute after their houses were demolished.

“We are meeting later today [yesterday] to consolidate the number of affected people and also come up with estimated damage bill. However, by 7pm on Wednesday Lambulira Health Centre was overwhelmed with injured people. About 55 of them were treated as outpatients while five seriously wounded people were referred to Zomba Central Hospital,” explained the councillor in a telephone interview.

Most parts of the country, particularly in the Southern Rarts, have been receiving preliminary heavy rains locally known as chidzimalupsya since last week. n