Blantyre, Malawi, Jan. 13 (MaraviPost) _ Malawi President Peter Mutharika has declared ten of the country’s 28 districts ‘disaster areas’ following devastating floods that have engulfed almost half of the southern African country.
“I declare these districts as disaster areas with immediate effect,” he said.
These districts include the lakeshore district of Mangochi, where several houses were submerged under water last week, the eastern district of Zomba where a number of people were killed and several houses destroyed over the weekend and the southern district of Mulanje where on Tuesday nine people were killed by the floods.
The entire southern Lower Shire Valley bordering Mozambique has also been declared a ‘disaster area’. Vice President Saulos Chilima, government officials and journalists Tuesday aborted a planned tour to inspect the effects of the damage in the valley because the military helicopter could not fly due to bad weather.
Mutharika appealed to the international community and NGOs to assist the flood victims. He said at least 23, 000 people have been made homeless following the flooding. He said the displaced people immediately need temporary shelter, food, medicine and clothing.
“Government alone cannot afford so I appeal to the international community for urgent assistance,” he said.
Over 20 people across the country have died following the flooding.-maravipost
