Lightning incidents on the rise in Mat North

Forty-three people have been struck by lightning resulting in 11 death since the 9th of December last year in Matabeleland North province alone.

Binga and Lupane have so far recorded the highest cases.

Most of the cases recorded indicate that victims were struck while gathered for religious purposes, funeral or walking in open spaces.

The most recent victims were struck last Saturday night while they were at a funeral at Siachilaba village in Binga.

Six people died on the spot and three others were left injured.

Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Nyasha Masuka says the statistics are only on reported cases and urged the public to avoid open places during the rainy season as there is an increased risk of being affected.

"We are also encouraging them to seek medical attention if they have been affected or that they can be assessed for any other complications that may happen because of lightning and we are also encouraging our communities, especially school children not to cross flooded rivers because we have had lots of rain in the province," he said.

Most of the victims who were killed died on the spot while the rest have been treated and discharged at the out patients departments at district hospitals.

Of the 43 people struck so far, 24 are females, 16 males and one four-year old child.