A lightning strike left one person dead and 26 others injured in Ngoma District on Monday, April 13, officials said.

The incident occurred in Gashanda Sector, where the residents who had been farming in a wetland took shelter from rain at a nearby house.

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On Tuesday morning, the severely injured victims were still receiving treatment at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital, while others were at Gashanda Health Centre.

"We evacuated about 23 victims to Kibungo Hospital, while three remained at Gashanda Health Centre, where they are also receiving treatment," Mathias Ngenda, Executive Secretary of Gashanda Sector, said.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved familly.

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Authorities urged residents to take precautions during storms, especially by avoiding taking shelter under trees and limiting the use of electronic devices during downpours.

Since the beginning of the year, lightning has struck at least 45 people in Ngoma District, killing 11.

The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) continues to stress preventive measures, including seeking safe shelter indoors, unplugging electrical appliances, wearing shoes, and staying away from walls and doorways in buildings without lightning rods.