KA flood victims in dire need of help

Karonga District Council has listed 1 162 families of the 5 658 households that were displaced by floods in the district as those in dire need of urgent help.

This follows a joint assessment by government and various organisations last week, which found out that more people needed help.

The district’s disaster management officer Walusungu Mwafulirwa in an interview said: “The initial rapid assessment report by the council indicated that the floods had affected 4 075 households with 829 collapsed houses.

Meanwhile, additional reports say the number of affected households has risen to 5 658 with 1 073 collapsed houses.”

He said the floods occurred due to the overflowing of Lufilya, Kibwe, Fwira, Kasisi and other rivers in the district.

The displaced families were temporarily accommodated at Mwanjasi School, Malo Shed, Pasumbi Settlement, while others sought shelter from relative’s homes.

“We had relief from government from the Department of Disaster and Risk Management Affairs. We got 850 bags of maize, 60 bags of beans, 4 320 plastic cups, 3 228 plastic plates, 8 500 metres plastic sheet and we later also got 875 bags of maize, 50 bags of beans and 540 tarpaulin,” said Mwafulirwa.

Meanwhile, Livingstonia CCAP Synod has pledged funds, which will see 850 households getting K15 000 a month. The programme will run for two months.