(Lamwo) – A lightning strike killed 14 people and injured 34 others during a prayer service at a church in Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The incident took place at around 5:30 p.m. in Zone 8, Block 2, of the settlement as attendees gathered in prayer.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the incident, detailing that the lightning struck as rain began during the service. Emergency responders swiftly evacuated the injured to Paluda Health Centre III for medical care. At the time of reporting, authorities had not yet released the names of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The Palabek Refugee Settlement, one of Uganda’s newer camps, was established in April 2016 to help alleviate overcrowding in other northern refugee camps. It has since provided shelter primarily to refugees from South Sudan, a population made up mostly of women and children.
According to recent data, Palabek is home to more than 60,000 refugees, many of whom have endured significant hardship in their flight from conflict. Uganda’s climate, particularly in the north, is prone to severe weather events, including heavy thunderstorms, which can pose additional challenges in densely populated areas like refugee camps.
This tragedy has sparked concerns within the refugee community and among humanitarian organizations about the need for improved safety measures during extreme weather events. Efforts to assist the affected families and ensure the safety of the Palabek community are underway.
| Date | Location | Casualties | Injuries | Incident Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | Palabek Refugee Camp, Lamwo | 14 dead | 34 injured | Lightning strike during prayer service |
