By Rose Cross Mahorya and Manasse Nyirenda

Mzuzu, November 29, Mana: Strong wind accompanied by partial rains on Thursday blew off roofs of some houses and school blocks in Mzimba and Rumphi districts.

In Mzimba among other destroyed structures include Baula Primary School which is one of the voter registration centres in Mzimba North East Constituency.

Confirming the incident, District Elections Officer for Mzimba North, Demeria Rocha said the situation led to temporal suspension of the voter registration exercise at the centre but assured the situation is under control.

“Registration will proceed tomorrow. There has been no injury but personal belonging of our officers have been destroyed,” said Rocha.

In a related development, the voter registration exercise at Chinyera in Mzimba East Constituency was disrupted after several officers fell ill with diarrhea, and one officer was referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital for treatment.

According to Medical Officer for Mzimba North District Health Office, Shadreck Mzima Ngwira, health personnel have already been alerted to monitor the situation and establish the cause of the disease.

In a related development, stormy rains, on Thursday damaged classroom blocks at Chiyvaladi and Fyolonga primary schools in Rumphi disrupting teaching and learning.

Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Mzokoto Education Zone, Tamara Mkandawire said that a block that housed two classes including the school’s deputy head teacher’s house had their roofs blown off.

"We are currently planning on double shift classes to ensure that we continue with teaching and learning. Some classes will be learning in the morning while others later in the day.

We therefore need portable black boards to ensure that classes continue without much challenges as some learners will still be learning outside due to inadequate classes," said Mkandawire.

Miriam Mtumbuka, PEA for Luviri Education Zone in which Fyolonga Primary School is located, said that there is urgent need for rehabilitation of the school block for classes to return to normal.

Chief Education Officer for Rumphi, Emmanuel Mwalirino said that his office is currently assessing the situation.

“We are planning to implement temporary redress measures to ensure that classes are not disrupted for an extended period,” said Mwalirino.

Chiyvaladi and Fyolonga primary schools have enrollment of 450 and 170 learners respectively and no injury has been reported in both cases.