Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika has once again lashed out at the government over its alleged governance flaws, saying that the nation is at a critical crossroads, “exemplified by failed leadership”.
SRains which fell from Friday to Saturday morning have left three Mangochi residents dead, officials have said.
Mangochi District Council spokesperson Bishop Witmos said Sunday that those that have died are from traditional authorities (TAs) Chimwala, Mponda and Mapila.
“It is true and sad that we have lost three lives following heavy rains which led to flooding in Mangochi on Friday and Saturday. We, as a council, are still conducting assessment to further establish the extent of the damage,” Witmos said.
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He said 1,156 households had been displaced by the floods.
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“Forty-eight people have been injured, some of whom have been admitted to Mangochi District Hospital. Those that have been displaced are seeking shelter in government-owned schools as we, at the council, are waiting for tents and other lodging materials.
“People from the displaced households are being kept at Changali Community Day Secondary School, Mpinganjira Primary School and Nansenga Primary School. We have submitted a report to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs and other partners so that they can come in and support the displaced households with relief items such as food, shelter and clothing because some of them have had their items washed away,” he said.
Meanwhile, TAs Mapila has said traditional leaders have been asking community members who stay in flood-prone areas to relocate.
“We don’t want to lose more lives of people and property,” Mapila said.
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Since the start of the wet season, over 5,000 households have been affected and displaced by rain-related natural disasters, according to information sourced from Mangochi District Council.
