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30 HOUSES IN PETAUKE COLLAPSE DUE TO HEAVY STORM

ABOUT 30 houses have collapsed in Kasisi area of Chief Mwanjabantu’s chiefdom in Petauke District of Eastern Province due to heavy rains characterised by strong winds.

The area, which has a population of about 1, 800 and more than 300 households, was hit by a storm on December 15, 2024, which caused significant damage to houses.

ZANIS reports that Catherine Mwanza, who is one of the affected residents, said the rains began around 17:00 hours, causing several houses to collapse. 

Ms Mwanza stated that some people were injured and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

She, however, expressed gratitude to God that no one died during the incident.

“We are grateful to God for sparing our lives, despite the gravity of what happened,” she said.

Mary Hamamba from Muyuyu Township, also reported that heavy rains destroyed many homes in her area. 

Ms Hamamba thanked the Disaster Management Committee for responding swiftly to the calamity.

She disclosed that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee (DMMC) visited the affected areas and provided humanitarian assistance in the form of food and other essential items to those affected.

“We are grateful to the government for coming to our aid in the shortest time and helping us ease our burden,” she said.

Adam Zulu, Chief Mwanjabantu’s Induna, also confirmed that Trizivaboat and Mazala Townships experienced heavy rains leaving 28 families homeless after their houses collapsed. 

Mr Zulu said the affected families were currently squatting at Kasisi Primary School. 

He disclosed that many of the affected families lost everything as most of their belongings were destroyed in the disaster.

The Induna thanked government for the quick response and provision of blankets and food items such as maize and cooking oil.

“People have been left homeless. I am still appealing to well-wishers to come to the aid of the people here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Petauke District Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit Officer, Moffat Tonga, explained that Kasisi area received intense rainfall leading to the collapse of 22 houses. 

Mr Tonga added that the District Disaster Management Committee quickly responded by providing food items such as beans, maize, blankets, and cooking oil.

He also reported that the number of collapsed houses had risen to 30, with 8 completely destroyed. 

Mr Tonga said most of the affected families have chosen to stay with relatives in the community. 

“We have given each household a 50kg bag of maize among other things,” he disclosed.