By Nelson Gonjani & Eric Msikiti:
Heavy rains over the past four days have caused extensive damage to major roads in the Central Region, leaving sections of the M1 and M5 impassable.
Mpasadzi Bridge, between Chatoloma and Nkhamenya trading centres in Kasungu District along the M1, has been washed away, while Kaombe Bridge on the M5 in Nkhotakota District has also been damaged.
Motorists and pedestrians have been unable to use these road sections and the situation remained so at the time of going to press yesterday.
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Central East Region Police spokesperson Esther Mkwanda described the situation as a serious risk to road users.
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“The M1 in Kasungu is currently impassable following the loss of Mpasadzi Bridge,” she said, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Nkhamenya Bridge, still under construction along the same road, has also been destroyed.
In Nkhotakota, Kaombe Bridge, connecting Nkhotakota Boma to Dwangwa, was impassable yesterday, while Ling’oma Bridge, linking Nkhotakota to Salima, and roads connecting Nchandilo and Bout trading centres are also affected.
Minister of Transport Feston Kaupe referred the matter to the Roads Authority, whose Chief Executive Officer Ammiel Champiti said Mota-Engil had been deployed to repair sections of the M1, while China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation was restoring the M5.
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He urged drivers to avoid flooded or visibly damaged roads until repairs are complete.
Several social media images suggest that households across the country have also been affected.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) reported that between 22 and 28 December, 7,205 households were impacted, affecting approximately 32,422 people.
Dodma said relief was being provided through local councils.
In Chiradzulu District, at least 597 families experienced damage from strong winds and heavy rains.
Acting disaster officer Patrick Mulinga said areas under Senior Chiefs Chitera, Likoswe, Kadewere and Mpunga were affected, with Likoswe hardest hit.
“Three people sustained minor injuries in Chitera’s area. The council is finalising damage reports for Dodma and we are appealing for shelter materials, food, blankets and other essentials,” Mulinga said.
In Chitipa District, heavy rains and strong winds have also destroyed crops covering about 12 hectares and damaged at least 60 houses and schools under Senior Chiefs Mwenewenya and Kameme.
Acting District Disaster Risk Management Officer Roy Pangani said flooding in Ipenza, under Kameme, destroyed 6.7 hectares of beans, three hectares of maize, 0.5 hectares of sweet potatoes and 0.4 hectares of sunflower.
In another area, winds damaged houses and blew off rooftops at Kamilamphande Primary School.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has warned that water levels on the Shire River are rising, although they have not reached flood levels.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) forecasts further rainfall, potentially accelerating flooding between 30 December and 11 January.
Several rivers across the country have been flagged as being at risk and DCCMS has also warned against driving through or walking across flooded roads.
Dodma has reported that three people died and 41 were injured between 22 and 28 December, mainly from collapsing walls
