At least 14 people, including several children, were killed in northern Uganda’s Palabek refugee camp when lightning struck a makeshift church during a heavy storm on Saturday evening.

According to the police, around 50 people had gathered for prayer when lightning hit the building’s metal roof.

William Komech, the resident district commissioner for the Lamwo region, confirmed that the victims included five girls and nine boys, all between the ages of 14 and 18, adding that another 34 people sustained injuries and were treated at a nearby health centre.

He stated that most of the refugees in the camp are from South Sudan’s Nuer community and that Uganda’s government is coordinating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, to provide aid to the survivors.

“The government team is on the ground assisting families and ensuring the bodies are returned to their loved ones,” said Hillary Onek, Uganda’s Minister for Refugees and Disaster Preparedness.

Uganda has experienced several fatal lightning incidents in recent years. In 2011, lightning struck a primary school, killing 18 students. In August 2020, nine teenagers were killed in a similar incident.

Lightning also claimed the lives of four endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park in February 2020.