Three families in Chavuma District in the North-western Province have been left homeless, after a hailstorm swept through the Boma township area.
The hailstorm damaged some shops of a prominent Chavuma businessman identified only as Mr. Kafuma, houses for two other families, and the house of the District Council Secretary.
Chavuma District Commissioner, Frobisher Fulayi confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Mr. Fulayi said the incident happened on Sunday when people went for church service.
He said Kafuma bought tents which have been given to the affected families for use as temporary shelter.
The District Commissioner commended Mr. Kafuma for his humane gesture.
He further said a six-year old girl was struck by lightening, which made two others faint, while they were praying in a church.
This was during a heavy down pour of 7 mili-metres (mm) that lasted for only 30 minutes from 16-30 to 17-00 hours on Sunday.
Mr. Fulayi said the minor and two other unknown victims were temporarily admitted at Chavuma District Hospital for close to two hours for observation, before being discharged. The District Commissioner said the victims are all out of danger.
On 18th September, 2009, Chavuma district experienced heavy rainfall measuring 8.5mm and another 10.1 mm on 30th September, 2009.
Mr. Fulayi attributed the heavy rainfall to the district’s closeness to the neighbouring Congo-water basin and the Ituri rain forest.
He said the rain season in Chavuma starts in August every year.
[ZANIS]
Holy cra p…………….struck by lightning while praying in church, thats so sad, where was God?