Luanda:Lunda-Sul: Lunda-Sul governor Gildo Matias has called for immediate and coordinated action to address the threat of natural disasters as heavy rains begin to impact the region.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Matias made this appeal during the closing of a Provincial Council review meeting for the Civil Protection and Fire Service (SPCB). He emphasized the need for regional agencies to streamline response plans and improve real-time communication to protect local communities during the ongoing rainy season.
Matias stressed that effective civil protection requires synchronized efforts, with all stakeholders fulfilling their responsibilities to safeguard citizens. He highlighted the importance of rapid incident reporting to prevent casualties and property damage.
The governor also raised concerns about the deficiencies in local meteorological infrastructure, noting a significant lack of monitoring and tracking stations, especially in municipal administrative centers.
This call to action comes after a particularly devastating 2025-2026 rainy season in the province, which resulted in eight deaths, seven injuries, and affected more than 5,000 residents. Emergency services reported the destruction of 468 homes, with 225 flooded and many others at risk of collapse.
The current rainy season in Angola officially commenced on August 15 and is expected to continue until mid-May 2027. Infrastructure risks remain high, with emergency officials keeping a close watch on at least 35 active erosion ravines in the neighboring Lunda-Norte province.
