By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, 30 December 2024 – At least six people have tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes in the Zambezi Region over the past week, with the most recent fatalities occurring on Friday. Two Zambian nationals were struck in the Liselo area: Sililo Ndumba, who died instantly, and Manyando Kanjungu, who was injured and rushed to Katima State Hospital for treatment.
Earlier the same day, three others were struck in the Malengalenga area of Linyanti Constituency. One of them died on the spot, while the other two are receiving medical attention at Katima Mulilo State Hospital. These incidents bring the total death toll to six in just one week across the region.
In another lightning-related incident, a farmer in Malengalenga lost six goats when they were struck by lightning. A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Namibia Daily News (NDN) and expressed the family’s shock. “It’s a difficult moment for us. We’re fortunate no one else was harmed, but the trauma is real. They will need counseling, especially the mother and close family members, as this experience has been deeply unsettling,” he said.
While lightning strikes often occur without warning, they can happen in various ways. Direct lightning strikes, in which a person becomes part of the lightning discharge, are the deadliest. This typically happens when victims are in open spaces. The current may travel through the body, affecting the cardiovascular or nervous systems, and causing serious injury or death. Survivors may suffer burns or internal injuries, highlighting the importance of immediate medical intervention.
Despite attempts to reach the Namibian Police spokesperson in Zambezi, no comment was available by the time of press. – Namibia Daily News
