Dodma gives flood survivors relief food
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has distributed food and other relief items to households affected by floods in Chikwawa District.
The floods, which followed heavy rainfall last Thursday in Senior Chief Ngabu, displaced 1 683 households, killed three people, damaged houses and washed away crops and livestock.
Speaking on Tuesday during the distribution, Chikwawa-Nkombezi legislator Abida Mia (Malawi Congress Party-MCP), who is also Minister of Water and Sanitation, commended Dodma for the swift response.
She said: “Affected families whose houses have been washed away have received family tents and plastic sheets.
“I appeal to other well-wishers and partners to support the families as they have nothing to depend on.”
On his part, Chikwawa South legislator Illyas Abdul Karim (MCP) whose area was also affected, appealed for more aid.
“I ask camp leaders to desist from corrupt practices,” he said.
Chikwawa district commissioner Nardin Kamba said Dodma distributed 1600 bags of maize, 45 bags of beans, 30 family tents and 20 rolls of plastic sheets.
He encouraged people who can move away from the camps to do so and asked the affected families to send their children to school.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Ngabu has asked people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safe places.
He said: “We have seen that recently, climate change phenomena such as cyclones or dry spells are becoming more prevalent.
“To prevent further loss of life, I urge people in flood-prone areas to relocate upland.”
The chief also encouraged people to construct resilient houses that can withstand floods and heavy rains.
