Machinga District calls for humanitarian support

Machinga District Council has appealed for immediate support for people affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in the district’s eight traditional authorities.

Speaking on Wednesday during an emergency district civil protection committee meeting, Machinga District Council spokesperson Martin Chiwanda said the district was failing to reach the affected households because the heavy rains destroyed road networks and the railway line.

“It is only helicopters that can reach people trapped in flood-prone areas,” he said.

Senior Chief Ngokwe also asked well-wishers to donate food, shelter materials and other necessities to his subjects who are currently seeking refuge in schools.

“These people have been in school since Monday, but have no food and blankets. Their only hope for survival is through people’s generosity,” he said.

One of the survivors, Amidu Njunga from T/A Ngokwe said floods destroyed his home and washed away his crops.

“It will take a lot of resources to construct a new house and grow crops,” he said.

Njunga commended village civil protection committee members for giving moral support to victims staying in camps.

Eastern Region Police Commissioner Violet Magwaya said they will intensify security for people staying in evacuation camps and schools.

“Police officers and community policing members are on the ground assisting people until they get better,” she said.

Magwaya also appealed to the public to consider helping survivors in Phalombe, Zomba, Machinga and Balaka districts.