Huambo – At least 300 people have been left homeless in Chilata commune, central Huambo province, following heavy rains that poured the region on Monday, which caused the destruction of 60 precarious houses, ANGOP learned on Tuesday
The information was disclosed by the spokesman of the Interior Ministry, Martinho Kavita Satito, adding that the situation has reached incalculable proportions, given that the data is provisional.
He called on the authorities to intervene to help the victims, who are being housed in relatives' homes and some schools.
Satito said local authorities and the Civil Protection and Fire Service are working to assess the material damage caused by the rains accompanied by gusts of wind which, fortunately, have not caused any human casualties.
The chief superintendent of the National Police also appealed to the communities of the Chilata commune to reinforce the roofing of their homes, since the destruction of houses is, in some cases, the result of negligence on the part of the owners in not complying with certain safety requirements, without detracting from the material used.
The municipality of Longonjo, one of the 11 that make up the province of Huambo and whose seat is 64 kilometers from the city of Huambo, has an estimated population of 120,625 inhabitants, spread over four communes (Catabola, Chilata, Lepi and Sede) that cover an area of 2,919 square kilometers.
Huambo province, with an area of 35,771 square kilometers and an estimated population of 2.8 million inhabitants, spread over 11 municipalities, has a rainy season that lasts approximately nine months, from August 15 to May 15.
It has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 20.2 °C. December is the hottest month of the year, while August has an average temperature of 18.2 °C, the lowest of the year. JSV/ALH/TED/AMP
