Malawi: The Mangochi District has been facing the adverse affects of bad weather conditions. At least three people have died and 48 others injured following floods that occurred in Mangochi District.
The weather is affecting 1,156 households in traditional authorities Chimwala, Mapira and Mponda. The authorities have shared that where affected people sought shelter in schools.
Spokesperson for Mangochi District Council, Bishop Witmos revealed these details on Saturday. He said that the floods have affected 20 villages.
He added that the flash floods have also affected infrastructure, such as health facilities, schools, livestock, crops like maize, rice and soya beans. among others.
“It is true the district has been affected by floods that occurred on 31st January 2025.
“We have established three camps at Mpinganjira Primary School, hosting 160 households with total population of 701 people, Nansenga Community Day Secondary School hosting 21 households with total population of 67 people and Changamire Primary School hosting 111 households with total population of 300,” said Witmos.
District Disaster Risk Management Officer Maria Phiri said the affected families are currently seeking urgent assistance. Furthermore, he has asked government agents, the private sector and individuals of goodwill to provide food and nonfood items to be distributed to the affected households.
According to Phiri, such urgent assistance includes family tents, tarpaulins, basins, plates, pots, blankets, clothing, dignity kits, treated mosquito nets, sleeping mats and lamps.
“Food items like rice, maize, maize flour, soya beans, cooking oil, salt and sugar are also required urgently,” she added.
Phiri further said there was also need to provide anti-malarial drugs, first aid kits, chlorine, other essential drugs, mobile toilets and mobile clinics to avoid outbreaks such as cholera, diarrhoea and malaria.
This is the second time rains have affected people, livestock and infrastructure in the district since the onset of rainfall season.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged people residing in disaster prone areas to move to safer places for fear of possible floods caused by heavy rainfall.