The powerful blasts sent artillery and mortar shells flying over nearby residential neighborhoods destroying several houses, killing over 96 people and injuring more than 391 according to Government authorities.

“This tragedy has touched all of us,” said UN Resident Coordinator Ndolamb Ngokwey. “Our sympathies go first to those who have lost family members and relatives.”

Several unexploded munitions and shell casings have been dispersed throughout the surrounding areas, posing a threat to the safety of the people living in the affected areas.

As people return to their homes and lives, the UN sent a message urging the populations not to handle or remove any suspicious objects to avoid further injury and loss of life.

“Handling unexploded munitions is extremely risky”, said UN Coordinator Ndolamb Ngokwey. “The removal of unexploded shells and mortars should only be done by trained specialists.”

The Humanitarian community is in contact with Government officials and national civil society organizations and has offered its full support, pulling from its vast expertise in areas such as de-mining and crisis management. The support will range from providing expert assistance in the cleaning up of potentially deadly pieces of unexploded ordinance to providing psychosocial support to children affected by the explosions and to raising public awareness about the danger of handling unexploded munitions.

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For more information please contact:

Luís Zaqueu, Communication Officer, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office

Mobile +258 823082470

Office: + 258 485165

Email: luís.zaqueu@undp.org

Nelson Xavier, UNDP Communication Officer

Mobile phone: + 258 82 3140600

Office + 258 21 481438

E-mail: nelson.xavier@undp.org