Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has donated relief items to 647 households affected by floods in Senior Chief Kilupula and Mwakaboko in Karonga.
The donation follows persistent heavy rains in the district from March to April this year which also resulted in the destruction of Kyungu Bridge on the M1.
Speaking on Wednesday during the handover, MRCS district coordinator Blessings Mlowoka said they wanted to lessen people’s suffering.
However, he asked people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to the upland.
Said Mlowoka: “Karonga is one of the disaster-prone districts due its topography.
“It is sad that each rainy season lives of people and property are lost. So, this can be avoided by relocating to the upland.”
On his part, Karonga District Civil Protection committee member responsible for shelter and camp management Aaron Mwenelupembe said many households were affected and they need assistance.
He said: “We have started assisting those whose properties were greatly affected.
“We appeal to other well-wishers for help.”
Group village head Katumbi thanked Malawi Red Cross Society for the donation.
“Many people lost property during the floods. They need help to recover from their loss,” he said.
Katumbi asked beneficiaries to use the items for their intended purpose.
A beneficiary Steven Mwakiposa said his house collapsed during the floods.
“I lost everything, but I am ready to relocate to the upland to avoid facing the same challenges in future,” he said.
The items, funded by Unicef and the European Union Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, included blankets, tents, buckets and mats.
