On this rainy day of Monday, December 2, in the town of Tchabi, 120 kilometers south of Bunia, a tragic event occurred at the town’s primary school. While the students were attentively following their lessons, an unexpected incident disrupted their peace: lightning struck the main building of the school. The shock was so intense that nearly a thousand students were affected, with fifty of them injured, requiring emergency evacuation to a local health center.
It is difficult to imagine the terror that invaded this primary school when the lightning struck, sowing panic among the children who ran in all directions to get to safety. The material damage is also significant, with damaged doors and lost school supplies. The lives of these students were turned upside down in an instant, and psychosis set in among them, fueled by the fear of rain and unforeseen events.
The response of local authorities and civil society was swift, with immediate care for the injured and suspension of school activities to allow students to recover from the trauma. However, it is clear that additional measures will be needed to support these children in the psychological healing process and to help them regain a sense of safety at school.
This dramatic event highlights the importance of raising awareness of the risks associated with bad weather and the need to put in place adequate preventive measures to protect students’ lives. It also highlights the courage and resilience shown by the children and school staff in the face of this emergency.
Let us hope that this incident serves as a reminder to all of the importance of school infrastructure security and emergency preparedness, in order to ensure a safe and protective learning environment for all.