Heavy rains render 77 Dedza households destitute
By Imam Wali:
At least 77 households in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaphuka in Dedza, have been rendered destitute due to heavy rains and strong winds that occurred on Thursday.
The heavy rains and strong winds have destroyed houses, property, crops and killed animals.
Dedza Risk Management Officer, Blessings Kamtema, Thursday said one woman identified as Veregesi Yolamu, aged 88 years, from Nyombe Village, T/A Kaphuka in the district has died.
“So far, we have received reports from Traditional Authority Kaphuka and Chauma in the district. This [devastation] was caused by heavy winds; currently the assessment [of the damage] is underway. Most of the people that have been affected are seeking shelter at their relatives’ homes,” he said.
Kamtema urged people in the district to ensure that they build strong houses and observe safety measures.
According to Group Village Head Nyombe, the disaster has put pressure on his subjects who have lost property as well as food.
“One woman has died but also many people have been affected heavily due to the rainfall and strong winds during the morning [Thursday]. People’s houses, food, crops have been affected. Due to this, people’s property including food, fertiliser, blankets and other house utilities have also been affected,” he said.
According to Member of Parliament for Dedza Central Constituency, Daniel Chiwere the problem has compounded the hunger situation that is currently in the district.
“In the area, people were already facing acute hunger so with this challenge, the problem has just been compounded. Now we are hoping that the government would intervene,” he said.
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