Zomba City drills residents on disaster preparedness

Zomba City Council fire brigade acting chief fire officer Lloyd Chikhadzula says the rainy season is associated with disasters, including fire and flash floods, as such, there is need to train people to deal with the situation.

He said this on Wednesday when he trained residents of the city on disaster preparedness.

“Most of these fires start from electricity faults as well as when people are cooking or warming themselves inside their houses, particularly during the rainy season,” said Chikhadzula.

He urged residents to call the council for rapid response teams either from the city’s fire brigade or disaster risk management officers for rescue.

“This will save lives and property from being damaged with fire, strong winds or flash floods,” he sid.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi coordinating officer Mark Liwonde said disaster preparedness reduces fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters.

He said that most flooding in cities results from poor drainage systems which forces water to divert its direction.

“These blocked drainage systems contribute to destruction of houses and other electricity equipment which triggersfires to start,” he said.

Chikanda Township Civil Protection Committee chairperson Gasten Mwepesa urged the city’s residents to be mindful of the prevention and response to any form of disaster that may occur.