MACHINGA-(MaraviPost)-A 14-year-old pupil from Mpiranjala Primary School in Machinga, identified as Ivy Patsidya, has died after being struck by lightning on Sunday evening.
The chairperson of the area’s disaster risk committee under Senior Chief Mchinguza, Asima Kapalepale, confirmed the tragic incident.
He explained that the teenager was on her way back from the well where she had gone to fetch water when the lightning struck her.
Kapalepale said the area had experienced a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds at the time of the incident.
He described the event as a devastating loss for the family and the community, especially given the young girl’s age and the circumstances under which she died.
The local disaster risk committee has since urged communities to exercise caution during stormy weather conditions, particularly when children are moving outdoors.
They have also appealed to parents and guardians to monitor the whereabouts of young people during severe rainfall to prevent similar tragedies.
Education authorities in the area have expressed sadness over the sudden loss of the pupil, noting that her death comes at a time when students are preparing for end-of-term activities.
Community members have also called for increased awareness on lightning safety measures as rainfall patterns continue to become unpredictable.
The matter has been reported to relevant authorities, and funeral arrangements are underway as the community mourns the death of the young learner.
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