President Peter Mutharika has consoled families of eight people who died after heavy rains caused devastation in some parts of Mzuzu City.
Eight people have been confirmed dead, several others seriously injured and many more left homeless following heavy rains that hit Masasa Township last week.
The heavy rains have also been haunting Karonga residents with latest statistics indicating that about 1 000 households comprising some 5 000 people are displaced so far.
In a message posted on his Facebook page yesterday, Mutharika asked Malawians to commit through prayers the souls of the deceased.
He wrote: “Let us continue praying for our brothers and sisters who have been affected by destructive floods in Karonga District and Mzuzu City townships of Chibavi, Chibanja, Masasa, Salisbury Line, Ching’ambo and Hill Top.
“May we commit through prayer the souls of those who have departed from amongst us into God’s hands for peaceful rest. In addition to prayer, let us also extend a helping hand to those who have lost their loved ones and property.”
The President said he was following the events with keen interest and had instructed government officials responsible for disaster management to be vigilant so that the affected are assisted accordingly.
About nine houses in Mzuzu, mostly situated in steep areas, were washed away by the raging rain water trapping and killing their occupants.
The rains are reported to be the worst since 2008 and most prone areas in the city are still under siege plunging the people into worsening destitution.
Last year’s floods left some 106 people dead and 173 000 others displaced across the country with Nsanje being the worst hit district followed by Chikwawa.
