We have reached out to most people—DoDMA
In the aftermath of the natural disasters that occurred in all the three regions of the country, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs – DoDMA estimates that over 18,000 households were affected.
Since the onset of the rains in November 2017, Malawi has experienced disasters such as floods and the fall armyworm pests which devastated crops.
In an interview with the Malawi News, the department’s spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula said there is no cause for alarm as they have managed to reach out to most of the flood victims.
“Roughly, what it means is that close to 99,000 individuals were rendered destitute but we have managed to assist most of them with a relief package that includes a 50 Kilogram maize bag, 2 blankets, 20 Litre bucket, plates and cups, salt and a plastic sheet where necessary,” he said.
A total of 20 districts were affected, eight of them in the Southern Region, four in the Central Region and the other four up in the Northern Region.
In earlier interviews, some of the affected people in Mangochi said it would be difficult to get back on their feet as most of their property was submerged in water.
One of them, Mirriam Symon, said strong winds and torrential rains blew off roofs of her three houses.
“As I am talking to you, I have nowhere to seek shelter. I fear for the worst since this is rainy season,” she said.
Darlingtone Baba, head teacher at Malembo Full Primary school, said the heavy storm and rains destroyed a block for standard 1 and 2, which accommodated over 600 students.
According to Khamula, the flash floods which occurred in Lilongwe City in December last year remain the worst, as six people lost their lives.
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