Disaster survivors get relief food

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has donated relief food to 64 households whose houses were destroyed by heavy rains in Likoma District.

Speaking on Monday during the event, Likoma district commissioner Abubakar Nkhoma said the items will lessen people’s suffering as they look for other means to survive.

“Our assessment showed that the survivors needed food immediately as they lost everything to the disaster,” he said.

Nkhoma advised people in the district to construct strong houses which can withstand rainstorms.

“I also remind people to report disasters to civil protection committees in their respective communities on time to save lives,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Flora Boazi said she lost food items to the disaster.

“The heavy rains destroyed my home and washed away all food items. I thank Dodma for the humanitarian support as I had nothing to feed my family,” she said.

This rainy season, Dodma has already assisted disaster survivors in Karonga, Mchinji, Salima and Lilongwe.

In an earlier interview, Dodma spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula said disasters have affected 58 401 people in 26 districts this year.

“The death toll has risen from 42 to 49. Lightning has killed 28 people while 21 died after walls collapsed on them and 105 people sustained injuries,” he said.

Khamula said the department has reached 9 228 households with relief assistance, which includes maize, tents, housing units and kitchen utensils.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change issued a warning two weeks ago on the likelihood of flash floods which would affect most districts, including Likoma.

The warning said heavy rains may likely be accompanied by lightning and strong winds, thereby posing a threat of widespread flash flooding in some districts.