Huambo: Over 250 individuals have been rendered homeless in the Chilata commune of central Huambo province following torrential rains that lashed the region on Monday, leading to the destruction of 60 fragile homes. According to Angola Press News Agency, the information was revealed by Martinho Kavita Satito, the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, who noted that the situation has reached significant proportions, with current data being provisional.
Satito urged authorities to step in and assist the affected individuals, who are currently taking refuge in the homes of relatives and some local schools. He stated that local authorities along with the Civil Protection and Fire Service are diligently assessing the material damage caused by the rains, which were accompanied by gusts of wind. Fortunately, no human casualties have been reported.
The chief superintendent of the National Police also called upon the residents of the Chilata commune to strengthen the roofing of their homes. He pointed out that the de
struction of houses is sometimes due to negligence by homeowners in not adhering to specific safety requirements, in addition to the quality of materials used.
Longonjo municipality, one of the 11 municipalities in the Huambo province and whose seat is located 64 kilometers from the city of Huambo, is home to an estimated 120,625 inhabitants. These inhabitants are spread over four communes-Catabola, Chilata, Lepi, and Sede-covering an area of 2,919 square kilometers.
Huambo province itself covers an area of 35,771 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 2.8 million people spread across 11 municipalities. It experiences a rainy season that lasts approximately nine months, from August 15 to May 15, and has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 20.2 °C. December is typically the hottest month, whereas August records the lowest average temperature of 18.2 °C.