“Images of lightning and damage after the storm in a primary school.”
Lightning struck a primary school violently, causing an unimaginable tragedy within the educational community. Thirteen young schoolchildren were struck down while they were sheltering from the classrooms of the Masulukwede-Kanyihunga Primary School, located in the remote area of Bashu chiefdom, Beni territory. The shockwave of the incident was felt throughout the local community, plunging families, teachers and authorities into fear in the face of such a disaster.
The victims, including seven girls, were full of life, learning and laughing together before the sky suddenly raged. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, the struck children were rushed to a medical facility to receive appropriate care. Today, their state of health inspires some relief, but the memory of this tragic day will remain forever etched in their minds and those around them.
The school principal, Gerard Kasereka Ngesera, made a poignant appeal for the urgent installation of a lightning rod in the school building, to effectively protect students and teaching staff from the merciless vagaries of nature. It is imperative to learn from this terrible experience and take preventive measures to avoid such a tragedy from happening again.
Apart from the primary school, other communities were also badly affected by the ravages of lightning. A mother and her young child fell victim to this destructive force, with tragic consequences. The child lost her life on the spot, leaving her mother in a state of insurmountable pain and grief.
The unleashed nature also targeted local homes, causing significant material damage. Several houses lost their roofs, forcing their occupants to seek shelter in temporary locations. Community solidarity and support are essential to help rebuild and repair these damaged homes. Mangina civil society has launched an urgent appeal to obtain the necessary aid and bring comfort to the families affected by this natural disaster.
In this period of mourning and reconstruction, everyone’s solidarity and empathy are more necessary than ever to overcome this collective ordeal. It is essential to remember that even in the face of the immutable power of nature, unity and human compassion remain our greatest assets to heal our wounds and rebuild a better future together.”
This text offers a renewed narrative approach by highlighting the emotional and community impact of the disaster, while emphasizing the importance of prevention and solidarity in such situations.