Chilima assures flood victims of government support

Vice-President Saulos  Chilima has assured people affected by heavy rains in parts of Salima of government’s support as they recover from the disaster.

Chilima made the pledge on Wednesday when he cheered flood victims in Traditional Authority Makanjira where downpour affected 449 households, leaving dozens displaced, according to local authorities.

Some of the victims are being accommodated in schools.

Chilima, who is also Minister of Disaster Management Affairs, donated maize blankets and kitchen utensils to the affected households.

“The donations you are receiving today are just starter packs. They are meant to help you start living your normal lives again. But we will continue to support you as much as we can,” he said.

Chilima also admitted that Malawi is facing hunger following dry spells, floods and army worms but was quick to indicate that those affected by will be assisted accordingly.

“No one is going to die of hunger. Currently, we are carrying out an assessment to know how many people will need food aid. Once that is done, we will start free food distribution.”

Salima District Commissioner Charles Mwawembe asked for the construction of dykes as a long-lasting solution to the floods in the lakeshore district.

“Most areas are low-lying which makes them prone to floods. If we can have dykes to help divert the water, it would help a lot to tame these disasters,” he said. n