Malawi: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa has announced that the floods have destroyed more than 250 hectares of crops. The floods affected the district area of Senior Chief Fukamapiri.
The officials of the district gave clarified that the area has been experiencing extreme weather for the last few weeks. The flood was caused by heavy downpour in the region which has also left several families homeless.
The District Commissioner visited the affected households to monitor the extent of the damage that has been caused. He said that they are looking into ways to help the affected households.
The district commissioner made these remarks during his visit to the affected areas on Sunday. The heavy rainfall over the last few weeks have resulted in the flooding of Linga Dam.
The flood has affected the Linga Irrigation Scheme and some surrounding areas. The authorities are currently assessing the damage.
Further, the District Officer noted that the preliminary investigation suggests that the floods have damaged 250 hectares of cropland. The crops consisted of immature maize, cassava, bananas and rice.
The crops have been washed away and the situation may result in threat of food shortage and hunger within the affected communities.
He said the Council is developing short-term plans to ensure that food and shelter are available to the affected households. They are also developing long-term plans, like helping farmers replant some of the crops that may still do better.
The District Commissioner has taken the opportunity to urge the people of the affected areas to use better agriculture practices. Senior Irrigation Engineer for Nkhata Bay Edward Mjiku also observed the situation.
He stated that the blockage of the river course by branches of trees and grass at Linga Dam also contributed to the flooding.
One of the affected farmers, Green Banda talked to the media about the flood said his family will be rendered food insecure as the floods washed away a huge chunk of his three-acres field.
According to Senior Assistant Meteorologist for Nkhata Bay, Amos Chimbwira, the district may continue to receive heavy rains as the rainfall season concludes for 2023-24.