Heavy rainfall that Nsanje District experienced from March 16 to 20 has left 2 244 households stranded following the destruction of their houses and property.
The trail of destruction is visible in traditional authorities (T/A) Nyachikadza, Mbenje, Mlolo and Malemia where people have abandoned houses which are standing in water while other shelters have collapsed.
Mbenje Area Disaster Risk Management Committee chairperson Stella Dave Maguza said besides destroying homes, washing away crops and damaging foodstuffs, the floods have compromised access to safe water and sanitation services.
She said: “People are using unsafe water from contaminated wells and boreholes. Again, the floods have destroyed toilets. Our people are at high risk of suffering from cholera and other water-borne diseases.
“We are in dire need of food and non-food items such as maize, shelter materials like family tents, mosquito nets, mobile toilets and condoms.”
Geoffrey Phiri, from T/A Nyachikadza, said Shire River and its tributaries in the district burst their banks following the heavy rains.
“We are waiting for assistance,” he said.
Nsanje district acting disaster risk management officer Patrick Sipuni said the floods have disrupted people’s livelihoods, shelter conditions and food systems, thereby increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity.
He said: “The most affected area is T/A Nyachikadza where about 1 346 households are affected. The floods have destroyed millet and maize crops.
“Some people remain within their communities, but are in need of support. Some areas remain inaccessible due to poor road conditions, which have caused delay for District Disaster Risk Management Committee members to go and conduct verification exercises.”
Nsanje district spokesperson Robert Nayeja also said the floods have affected the delivery of education and health services in the district.
“Learning at Kaombe Primary School has been disrupted,” he said.
