Huambo: The local commander of the Civil Protection and Fire Service, Fire Commissioner Nelson Sampaio, announced Thursday that at least 56 people have died from lightning strikes in Huambo province during the 2024/2025 rainy season.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the commissioner stated that the rains resulted in 90 deaths and 91 injuries from electrical discharges, as well as the destruction of 2,465 homes, 46 churches, 32 schools, 16 bridges, three police stations, and 16 health centers. Additionally, seven access roads were flooded, and 23 heads of cattle died.
The chief underscored the need for redoubled efforts and awareness programs on risk prevention during the rainy season to avoid human and material damage to communities and to encourage family involvement in community mobilization.
The municipality of Mungo was the hardest hit, with 15 lightning-related deaths reported.
Huambo province, located in the Central Highlands of Angola, has a rainy season lasting approximately nine months, from August to May 15. It covers an area of 35,771 square kilometers and has a population of over two million inhabitants spread across 17 municipalities.
The province has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 20.2°C. December is the hottest month of the year, while August has an average temperature of 18.2°C, the lowest of the year.
