Red Cross donates to storm survivors

Malawi Red Cross Society has donated shelter toolkits and other materials to Tropical Storm Ana survivors at Nthole Community-based Childcare Centre in Nsanje District.

Speaking during the donation on Tuesday, Malawi Red Cross Society Nsanje district coordinator Nelia Kuchilunda said they wanted to help the survivors reconstruct their homes after leaving the camp.

“I advise beneficiaries to use the materials to rebuild their homes instead of selling them,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Margret Richman, 36, from Hapalikusala Village in Senior Chief Malemia’s area, said the materials gave her a new lease of life.

“My house was destroyed by floods in January. Besides receiving a shelter toolkit comprising a small tent, nails and hammers, I also received mats, mosquito nets, blankets and a set of kitchen utensils,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Stella Kampira, 51, from Nthole Village in the same area, said she was looking forward to leaving the camp.

Nsanje district relief and rehabilitation officer Patrick Sipuni thanked the organisation for the gesture and asked other stakeholders to emulate the example.

Tropical Storm Ana displaced 8 871 households in the district.