Mzuzu Lions donate towards flood victims

Mzuzu Lions Club yesterday donated assorted items worth K600 000 to families displaced by heavy rains in Mzuzu, which official statistics say have claimed eight lives and left several others injured.

Mzuzu City Council is yet to release a report on the assessment, but assistant director of health and social services Felix Namakhuwa said up to 37 displaced individuals are lacking food and blankets at Mbawemi Orphan Care Centre where they are temporarily accommodated.

Lions president Victor Gondwe said the donation is meant to support the victims.

Gondwe said the donation was a starter-pack and the organisation is conducting a needs assessment to come back with more support.

He encouraged colleagues in the corporate world to join the cause.

Mzuzu City Mayor William Mkandawire said life in most of the affected locations has come to a standstill because of the damage caused by the rains.

He said the donation is worthwhile as the council alone cannot manage to support all the affected households.

“Rains are still falling and we expect the figures to rise each day,” he said.

Rains in Mzuzu are now clocking a week and most of its low lying areas are flooded; thereby, causing houses to collapse.

Townships most affected include Masasa, Chibavi, Chibanja, Chiputula and Ching’ambo. n