Zambia: More than 200 people in the country have been left homeless in Mweshi and Buchinda areas. Lunga District Commissioner Mathews Mwewa toured the affected areas to talk to the residents.
He announced that the areas in question fall under Senior Chief Kalima Nkonde in Lunga District in Luapula Province.
The families lost their homes due to the heavy rains in the district. The people affected by the disaster are asking for the government’s help to rehabilitate and assist them
Over 20 houses have collapsed following the heavy rains that have continued to be recorded in the area. He said the extent of damage is worrying for the people as well as the administration.
Mwewa said it is unfortunate that people have been left homeless and their property destroyed.
Mathews Mwewa disclosed that among the affected are 11 houses in Buchinda and 14 in Mwenshi, saying the affected families sought shelter from their neighbours.
“It is sad that an estimated 200 people have been left homeless after their houses collapsed due to heavy rains, you know this rainy season, these people need shelter, most of them have only managed to seek for shelter from their neighbours which is not ideal,” he lamented.
He said the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) committee in the district has not yet quantified the state of the disaster.
Meanwhile, Mwewa added that the team will soon carry out a comprehensive assessment of the damaged property as well as measures to address the situation.
He said he would make sure that the affected families get support from the government.
“I have made arrangements with the Provincial DMMU coordinator and we have received few items and we will soon start distributing to the affected families,” he said.
The District Commissioner has since urged the victims to remain calm as the situation has been reported to higher offices.
Meanwhile, he claimed DMMU Regional Coordinator Abel Mwape said the affected families will be supported with tents and other food items as an alternative.
The people of the country have shared their appreciation to the government for their support and assistance.
