Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has distributed relief food and non-food items to 1 355 survivors affected by floods on March 2 2026 in traditional authorities (T/As) Kyungu and Kilupula in Karonga District.
Dodma director of response Charles Matabwa said on Monday after the exercise that the organisation also plans to construct a dyke along North Rukuru River to control floods.
Matabwa (L) and Kyungu (2L). I Jordan Simeon-Phiri
He said: “Government is committed to ensuring that those affected by the floods get food and shelter. However, we appeal to beneficiaries not to sell the items.
“Besides building a dyke, we will also build temporary classrooms at Katili Primary School.”
Karonga district commissioner Willard Mwambo said government is committed to ensuring that all affected people get support to rebuild their livelihood.
“While we thank government for the timely response, let us also build resilient houses that can withstand natural disasters,” he said.
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga districts commended Karonga District Council for reporting the disaster to Dodma with speed.
“However, we cannot keep on relying on relief food every year. Let government find long-lasting solution to these challenges by constructing a water dyke,” he said.
Mbande Area Development Committee vice-chairperson Mary Simchimba also said only constructing the dyke will solve the problem.
“I agree with Paramount Chief Kyungu that we do not want to keep on receiving relief food every year, so build the dyke to prevent further floods,” she said.
