In a show of solidarity, the Malawi community in Japan; friends of Malawi in Japan and other countries of accreditation, have under the leadership of Malawi Ambassador to Japan, Major General Reuben Ngwenya, raised K 947,205 Kwacha and materials to support the Peter Mutharika administration in alleviating the suffering of Malawians who were affected by the recent devastating floods.
This development comes barely weeks after the Ambassador continued to display unique practical appeal and engagement skills which led to the government of the Republic of Japan releasing an emergency relief aid of K74 million, the Mayor and Chairperson of Minato City which is within Tokyo City donated K3.17 million, Be Forward, a leading Japanese Car Exporter also donated K1.2 million and the government of the Republic of South Korea where the Ambassador also doubles as the country’s envoy donated K71 million.
“The money amounted to K 947,205 (?188,000 and AUD230,925). The AUD 230 was sent direct to Mulanje Mission Hospital as guided by the contributors, while the Yen 188,000 was deposited into the foreign account as provided by your good office,” reads in part the Ambassadors diplomatic memo to Lilongwe.
According to the diplomatic memo, “the material items include clothing and beddings,” adding further that “these will be shipped to Malawi when all logistical arrangements are finalized.”
Those who donated from Malawi Embassy in Japan are; the Ambassador himself, Rosemary Kanyuka, Grace Karonga, Levi Mkawa, Joseph Chikwemba, Stephen Mmodzi, Edmundo Callangan, Yuma Ito, Marcela Flordeliza, Felix Lilio, Lodwin Ricaforte and Tamae Mobsby.
Malawian students in Japan also made the donations and they are; Clara Chidammodzi and Dr. Chisomo Kumbuyo.
Tione & Thande Vitsitsi, Alick Nyasulu and Yankho Joy Fungatira who are Malawians resident in Japan and Cecilia Irene del Corro Limsiaco from Philippines including Mary-Jane Monaghan from New Zealand also contributed. Hon.
From Malawi’s consulate in Australia, the following contributed. Hon. Consul Trent Smyth, Sisay Dinku, Selba & Vivanne Luka, Dr Andrew Likaka, Jilane Matinga and Birgitta Seegers.
Malawi experienced heavy rains which continued for two weeks in January this year, causing unprecedented devastating floods that engulfed most districts in the southern part of Malawi.
According to United Nations (UN) Statistics, estimates of the death toll from the torrential rains vary from 79 to more than 200. At least 174,000 people have been displaced and 638,000 affected with livestock and possessions swept away, subsistence crops lost and water sources contaminated.