Mutharika visits Malawi disaster zone, appeals for assistance

Malawi President, Peter Mutharika, will Friday January 16  visit areas hit by the recent heavy flooding and people affected by the disaster in the southern region.

State House press officer Chikondi Juma says the President will among other areas visit the people at Mpondasi in Mangochi district and Ulongwe in Balaka South.

At least 48 people have died so far and an estimated 13,999 households (69,995 people) have been displaced by the floods in at least 15 districts of the country.

President Mutharika declared all the districts that have been affected by the floods Disaster Areas, with effect from Tuesday January 13, 2015.

“His Excellency President Mutharika fully appreciates every effort and humanitarian assistance that has been rendered so far,” Juma says in a media statement.

Mutharika is appealing for more assistance, from the International donor community, the relevant United Nations agencies, the Non-Governmental Organisations, the local private sector as well as all fellow citizens of goodwill, so that, together, we can contribute in alleviating suffering on the part of people affected by the floods.