A 14-year-old girl, Ivy Patsidya, a Standard 6 learner at Mpiranjala School in Machinga, has died after being struck by lightning.

Machinga District Disaster Management Officer, Asima Kapalepale, confirmed that the tragedy occurred yesterday evening as Ivy was returning home from fetching water.

The incident comes just a week after heavy rains and strong winds ripped the roof off a classroom at nearby Mpiranjalayi School, raising fresh concerns over weather-related hazards in the district.

The deceased, who hails from the same district, will be laid to rest soon.

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