Heavy winds, rain destroy property in Nkhotakota

There was chaos in villages around Nkhotakota Boma on Thursday night after heavy winds and rain destroyed over 221 buildings including houses, schools, churches and offices leaving hundreds of people homeless.

Thirteen people were reported injured and two are still admitted at Nkhota-kota District Hospital.

While confirming the development, acting district assistant disaster risk management officer Enala Mataka said the winds have affected many villages, especially in traditional authorities (T/As) Malengachanzi and Mphonde.

She said: “Our preliminary assessment indicates that 221 houses including government structures such as Nkhotakota Police Station, Linga Primary School, Linga Community Day Secondary School and also Nkhotakota Church Central Africa Presbyterian had their roofs blown off and their walls collapsed.

“Linga Community Day Secondary School head Teacher Donald Chikhungu said the wind and rain affected two blocks and office, in the same way damaging examination papers.

Phangwa, Chiwaula I, and Tambala are the most affected villages, acording to Mataka. n