Update: Thousands of Malawians Displaced in Mzuzu floods

By: Thula Chisamba

Updated official information from the Mzuzu City Council, shows that so far, hundreds of Malawians have been displaced from their houses, owing to heavy rains that have swept away about 137 houses.

According to preliminary findings, about seven people have also lost their lives in the process.

The official report which has been signed by the City Chief Executive officer, Macloud Kadam’manja, shows that Masasa is the worst affected township followed by Chibanja.

Meanwhile, as the assessment to establish further casualties is still in progress, the council has set up some temporary shelters for people in the affected areas.

In a separate spot check, this publication has established that in some townships like Chibavi, Mchengautuba, Gesha and Sonda, among others, people are suffering the same casualties.

As of Sunday, this publication found that about 30 houses were destroyed in Mchengautuba, whilst about 40 were also damaged within Sonda Township.

In Chibavi and Gesha, 15 and 36 houses were also damaged respectively.

In response to this, the council instituted a team to collect names of the affected people, for their possible assistance.

Nonetheless, traumatizing reports from the department of meteorology, indicate that in Malawi’s northern region, people will continue to experience torrential rains because of an equatorial rain belt that is crossing over Southern Tanzania.

Health experts with Mzuzu Central Hospital have since predicted that the rains may expose Malawians to numerous health risks thus preventive measures must be implemented.