ELCM launches recovery programme for flood victims
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM), through its development arm—the Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS)—has launched an emergency response programme in Phalombe.
The launch took place on Monday and is targeting 500 households affected by effects of torrential rains and floods in the district.
Head of ELCM, bishop Joseph Bvumbwe, said the programme aims at contributing to government efforts to resettle affected families.
Bvumbwe (in rosary) sharing ideas with a reverend of his church during the walk
“We are also donating treadle pumps to irrigation clubs so that they can intensify irrigation and winter-cropping. We believe this would help them avert hunger by themselves instead of depending on handouts,” said Bvumbwe.
But Bvumbwe warned beneficiaries against selling the items, saying the practice could deter well-wishers from responding to their plight.
ELDS vice-board chairperson Sute Mwakasungula said they have set aside K30 million for buying and distributing recovery items.
District Commissioner (DC) for Phalombe, Paul Kalilombe, said the donation will ease pressure his office is currently bearing in resettling the flood victims.
Kalilombe said at least 19 000 households were affected by the floods in the district.
