By Robert Nayeja:
More than 125,000 households have been displaced in Nsanje following the effects of cyclone Freddy as of 20th March, 2023.
Acting Disaster Risk Management Officer Patrick Sipuni confirmed in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday.
“The figures are according to preliminary reports and may rise up, because the assessment is still going on,” he said.
Sipuni added that Makhanga area is the worst hit area where most Group Village heads have been swept away by floods.
“Houses have collapsed, bridges, schools, health facilities, churches have been damaged, roads have been cut off, livestock and crops have been washed away leaving communities hopeless,” said Sipuni.
He said as of Monday this week, 15 people are still missing as the district has so far recorded 15 deaths due to cyclone Freddy.
Nsanje District Commissioner Dominic Mwandira said the floods have devastated peoples livelihood in the district as majority have lost all their belongings.
“So far we have commissioned at least 50 camps and government is doing everything possible to make sure that the affected households should be assisted accordingly.
“We are currently distributing maize to the affected households in camps,” said Mwandira.
The DC added that the search and rescue team is still on the ground to make sure that all those trapped should be assisted.
Mwandira said the district council will release the final extent of the damage once the assessment has been concluded.
