At least 11 people have lost their lives and nearly 10,833 households have been affected by disasters since the onset of the 2024/25 rainfall season.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, said the casualties include eight deaths caused by lightning and three due to collapsing infrastructure, including 79 others injured.

Kalemba said the department has reached out to the affected households with food and non-food items, which include maize, beans, blankets, pails and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.

He, therefore, advised the public to be aware and adopt safety measures during thunderstorms by avoiding open spaces and refrain from seeking shelter under trees or taller objects.