12 feared dead in Mzuzu floods terror: Council lambasted for casting blind eye

About 12 people are reportedly dead in the northern region city of Mzuzu  trapped by  floodwater following heavy rains but the Mzuzu City Council (MCC) is graveyard silent, a development that has brought about fury among the populace and rights activist.

The rains, according to records, are the worst since the 2007-2008 season. In four days alone, the records indicate that about 2 145 mm of rainfall has been received.

A mother and daughter died in the wee hours of Friday in the sub-urban location of Hill Top. Four more people are reported dead in that location alone.

Six more are feared dead in the location of Chibavi. Other prone areas such as Ching’ambo are under siege with hundreds of people feared to go destitute.

In Chibavi alone, 85 houses have collapsed according to Gabriel Mwaungulu, the ward’s councillor.

Activist Peter Mumba blamed MCC’s department of disaster and the Malawi Red Cross in the city for not taking the issue at hand “seriously,” saying it was “unfortunate that while people were dying government was silent on the matter.”

According to our findings, MCC intends to hold a meeting on the same tomorrow [Saturday].

But Mumba said “it was foolhardy.”

He said: “People have died. People are suffering and they want to meet tomorrow? Are they serious?”

Mumba also asked well-wishers to donate such basic things as plastic plates, plastic papers or tents for cover and food.

“People of goodwill must come in and earnestly help for this cause. Neighbours who are also better off must also try to accommodate their colleagues,” implored Mumba.