Disaster victims receive relief food

The Ministry of Disaster Management Affairs and Public Events has donated relief food to 507 households affected by heavy rains on Likoma and Chizumulu islands.

Speaking during the distribution exercise on Thursday in Likoma, chief relief and rehabilitation officer Fyawupi Mwafongo said incessant heavy rains that fell between mid-February and the first week of this month damaged houses and washed away crops on the two islands.

“We immediately dispatched relief items, but faced some hiccups along the way as transportation to the islands is a challenge,” he said.

Mwafongo asked the islanders to pay attention to weather information for their safety.

“Heavy rains might continue in our areas, so let us take necessary precautionary measures and ensure that children and the elderly are safe,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Patricia Kadama, 55, commended the ministry for the food, saying she had nothing to eat.

Likoma District Council chairperson Trevor Guru said road networks also require consideration as the heavy rains damaged them.