Flooding crisis hits Karonga

Hundreds of people have been submerged by water in the 7 villages in the area of Traditional Authority Kilipula in Karonga the northern border part of Malawi after heavy flooding following the relentless rains which is hitting the district since Sunday.

Confirming the development to Nyasa Times, the District Disaster Risk Management and Crops Officer under Discover Project, Blessings Mulowoka said despite the preliminary report indicate that 72 houses are being submerged in water while 8 collapsed.

According to Mulowoka, among the affected villages are Chimalawanthu, Mangulu, Elias, Thabathaba, Phaniso, Gweregweta including 4 houses at Kapolo polic.

Dozens of people are being evacuated as flooding continues to cause misery in the district.

“The flooding water has also affected hectares of crops,” he said, adding” We are surrounded by water. It is really alarming.”

The District Commissioner Rosemary Moyo said “while the victims are  seeking refugee at the church, provision of relief items such water and sanitation facilities, mosquito nets, house utensils, nutrition among others are on high demand and we therefore ask for a help.”

She added: “We are also appealing to all people leaving in the flood affected areas to go to the evacuation centers till the rain end.”

Meanwhile the district meteorological officer Victor Phiri has also caution the community in the district that the rainfall which is associated with the gusty winds will continue and cause damage to infrastructures.

In February this year, 900 households in over 20 villagers in the area of Traditional Authority Kyungu were also affected by floods.