Strong winds displace 300 people in Phalombe

Over 300 people in Phalombe District have been forced out of their homes after strong winds blew off their rooftops last week.

The strong winds hit several villages in all the six traditional authorities (T/As) of the district, affecting 174 households.

A report produced by Phalombe District Council indicates that people of group village head (GVH) Tamani in T/A Jenala are the worst affected.

The report further indicates that 25 houses were destroyed at GVH Thunga in T/A Kaduya while 20 houses were destroyed in GVH Nkhulambe in T/A Nkhulambe.

In an interview, district commissioner for Phalombe Harry Phiri said some schools and churches were also affected during the disaster.

“We have Luwani and Chitawotawo primary schools in T/A Nazombe and Makuwa Primary School in T/A Chiwalo where some school blocks and teachers’ houses were destroyed or had their roofs blown off by the strong winds,” he said.

Phiri called on non-governmental organisations and well-wishers to help the people affected by the strong winds.

He said some people are living with their relations while others have moved into inhospitable shelters such as kitchens and livestock kraals.

One of the victims, 77-year-old Ivy Mataka, said she lost her house and is living in a kraal.

Meanwhile, the district council has forwarded the report to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) to be assisted with various social amenities.