Ndalatando - Thirty citizens died by drowning in the first half of this year in the province of Cuanza-Norte, the spokesman for the Civil Protection and Fire Service, Helder Milagre said Thursday.
Compared to the same period in 2023, the institution recorded an increase of 15 cases.
The drownings occurred in the Kwanza River, in a dam and in the Ngolome lagoon, in the municipality of Cambambne, as well as in the Lucala River (municipality with the same name) and in water wells.
Speaking to ANGOP, on the occasion of July 25 (International Day for the Prevention of Drowning), he also indicated the registration, in the same period, of the sinking of seven boats, which culminated in the disappearance of nine individuals and the rescue of six corpses.
Hélder Milagre pointed out the carrying out of two rescue actions, one of 15 tourists who were adrift on the Kwanza River, after the exhaustion of fuel on the boat in which they were transported, as well as a minor on the verge of drowning in the Lucala River.
He clarified that the rescue activity for castaways in the province is currently carried out by eight lifeguards and six diving firefighters, assisted by two boats.
In the context of drowning prevention, the spokesperson also highlighted the realization, during the first half of the year, of 4,374 awareness-raising actions for bathers, 4,331 patrols on foot in bathing and crossing areas, in addition to 2,361 protections in bathing areas.
July 25 was proclaimed as International Drowning Prevention Day by the UN General Assembly on April 14, 2021. The date highlights the deep impact of drowning on society and is intended to encourage the reinforcement of measures to prevent accidents to shipwrecked people. LJ/IMA/YD/DOJ
