Three women tragically lost their lives, and two others were injured after being struck by lightning on Rutumo Hill in Rumonge commune, located in the province of Rumonge in southern Burundi. Local broadcaster Bonesha FM reported that the strike occurred during a violent storm that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to the region.
Frédéric Sinkibakira, the chief of Rutumo Hill, confirmed the tragic incident and shared additional details. In addition to the loss of life, three houses were destroyed, and several fields were severely damaged by the storm. Sinkibakira called for assistance from well-wishers, as the community was already suffering from the effects of a previous drought. He warned that the storm’s impact had further worsened the situation for local farmers.
This is not the first deadly lightning strike to occur in Burundi. In February, a lightning strike in Bubanza province claimed the lives of three students and left 18 others, including their teacher, injured while they were in class at Kiziba Primary School in Musigati commune. Joachim Nduwumukama, a local official, confirmed the sudden and devastating nature of the event.
In 2020, another lightning strike claimed the lives of seven people from a household in Nyarunazi hill in Buhinyuza commune, Kirundo province, in northern Burundi. These recurring lightning strikes highlight the ongoing danger posed by severe weather conditions in the country.
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