Malawians pray for flood victims

President Peter Mutharika yesterday led thousands of Malawians in an Interdenominational Memorial Service for flood victims in the recent flooding that has displaced over 336 000 and claimed 176 lives.

The prayers, held at Robin’s Park in Blantyre, were conducted under the theme ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’.

Mutharika read from John Chapter 11 verses 25 to 27 before leading the congregation in observing a minute of silence in honour and memory of the people who have lost their lives to the floods.

In his welcoming remarks, the Reverend Alex Maulana, chairperson of Malawi Council of Churches (MCM), said Malawi is passing through trying moments as this year’s floods have been tragic. He said there is a need for every Malawian to remember the victims in prayers, always.

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa read to the congregation 46 names of the 176 people officially confirmed dead.

Pastor Fracksom Kuyama, president of Seventh Day Adventist in Malawi, presenting a sermon to the congregation, said people should always cling to God at all times.

The officiating clergy included Reverend Charles Makata of the Evangelical Association of Malawi (ECM), Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Sheikh Idrissa Muhamad of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MUM), Bishop Mark Kambalazaza of the Charismatic Church of Malawi and Right Reverend Bishop Brighton Malasa, chairperson of the Anglican Council in Malawi, among others.

Opposition leaders who were present at the prayers included Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera, People’s Transformation Party president Kamuzu Chibambo and former ruling People’s Party vice-president Brown Mpinganjira.

During the service, K632 770 was collected in offerings and presented to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma).n