Floods leave 1500 people homeless in Mangochi

Over 1 500 people are homeless and about 200 hectares of various crops have been washed away by heavy rains in traditional authorities (T/As) Namabvi and Chowe in Mangochi.

An assessment by Mangochi District Council shows that the floods have affected 729 households and destroyed 65 houses.

Mangochi district commissioner Bester Mandele said his office is engaging government to help the affected people, some of whom he said are living in classrooms.

“Our current figures are that at least 1 500 people have been affected in one way or the other by the floods. Some parts of maize gardens were submerged while others were completely washed away,” said Mandele.

One of the victims, Mustafa Saidi, said they are struggling to find food and other basic needs because they lost their possessions to the floods.

“We are appealing to well-wishers to help us resettle as soon as possible. If we continue to live in these conditions, we risk contracting water-borne diseases such as cholera,” said Saidi.

Mandele said government will help the affected communities as soon as the assessment is complete.