BLANTYRE, Malawi, Jan. 15 (MaraviPost) The Department of Disaster Management Affairs in the Office of the Vice President has established a hotline, short code 115 for the general public to report on disasters that have occurred in their areas to facilitate quick response.
The hotline is free of charge and can be accessed from any local network.
Vice President Saulos Chilima made the disclosure at a press briefing in Lilongwe where he was updating the media on the latest developments following President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s declaration of state of disaster in areas affected by floods.
Chilima said although bad weather is hindering Malawi Defense Force (MDF) efforts in their operations especially when using helicopters, over 800 people had been rescued since Wednesday morning.
“Helicopters are ideal in the present scenario. However, the weather is bad and in some cases there are places where they cannot land. Meanwhile, the MDF is using boats to rescue those that have been trapped in flood areas,” he said.
The Vice President further appealed to well wishers for more food stuff, boats, helicopters, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets, lighting facilities and tents donations.
Government is currently working with United Nations, Red Cross and World Vision. It is also in talks with other cooperating partners and Non Governmental Organisations that have expressed interest to support Malawi in its rescue mission.
Chilima further said Treasury has already set aside K500 million to assists government’s efforts in assisting people in areas that have been affected.
Meanwhile, financial contributions can be made through the following accounts: Malawi Kwacha, Bank Account Number 9700000100514 and 9700000105257, USD Currency Denominated Account Number 8600000018078, FDH Bank Limited, Swift code FDHFMWMW, Bank Name: Barclays Bank, London, Swift Code BARCGB22, Account Number 77231488 and Cheques should be made payable to “Office of the President – Disaster Management”.
