Catholic Bishops start solidarity visits to flood victims in Malawi

Bishops of the influential Catholic Church in Malawi will from Tuesday 10 March embark on solidarity visits to flood victims in various parts of the country, acting Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference (ECM) of Malawi, Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo ha said.

Fr. Chimombo said the Bishops, led by the ECM Chairman, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa will first visit the district of Thyolo.

“During the visit, the Bishops are expected to present some of the relief items which were collected from all parishes and institutions in the country and by the Caritas family to cater for flood affected dioceses.

“Through its partners and the Church Structures, the ECM has managed to raise money, clothes, food and non-food items valued at MK1 billion just for short term sustenance of human life,” Fr. Chimombo said

President Peter Mutharika declared 16 of the country’s 28 districts ‘disaster areas’ and appealed for international assistance.

Pope Francis through the office of Apostolic Nunciature in Malawi conveyed a message of solidarity to the people of Malawi. In his message of solidarity, the Pope assured Malawians of his blessings and prayers.

Support from the Catholic Church will also go to flood affected communities in Chikwawa, Nsanje, Zomba, Machinga, Mangochi, Phalombe and Ntcheu among other areas.