The floods and hailstorms in Malawi have killed 176 people and displaced 174,000. According to media reports, Malawi needs over K5 billion (€9.5 Million) to “rehabilitate and provide relief to the victims”. Chikhwawa and Nsanje districts only are feared to have lost 159 people.
Malawi’s vice president Saulos Chilima has told the Weekend Nation of Saturday, 17 January 2015 that as the rescue team continues, there is need to source tents.
“We have to provide accommodation for the survivors. We have to see whether certain structures can be rehabilitated quickly. The affected people have to be fed too.”
The floods have also damaged the water system and also destroyed pit latrines in the areas affected. A visit to some areas around Andiamo Trust in Balaka district has revealed that people are using make shift toilets since their toilets have collapsed.
Meanwhile the president Peter Mutharika cheered the flood victims in Balaka and Mangochi on Friday. The President has since assured the people affected by the disaster that, his government will give them total support and assistance to curtail the sufferings they are going through.
Malawi president declared Malawi a State of disaster. About 17 districts have been affected due to continuous downpour in past two weeks.
Hon Lucius Banda shaking hands with HE
Some of the flood victims
One of the houses that has fallen down
Demolished toilet
By Patrick Bwanali