Nsanje, January 20: More than 1000 people affected by floods in Nsanje are stranded in Mozambique, Malawi News Agency has learnt.
Nsanje District Commissioner Harry Phiri confirmed the development in an interview, and said most of those seeking refuge in Mozambique were from the area of Chief Nyachikadza.
“We have managed to rescue thousands of people into the camps however the exercise is far from over as others are still trapped and need to be rescued.
“For example over 1000 people from Nyachikadza are stranded in Mozambique and need to be moved,” explained Phiri.
Due to navigation challenges, he said the people needed to be airlifted back to Malawi. Phiri however said the airlifting process required negotiations between Lilongwe and Maputo.
“We are waiting for the central government to discuss the issue with the Mozambican government. Right now, we cannot say when the people will be moved as we are waiting for the discussions,” he said.
The Nsanje District Commissioner further suggested that Maputo should provide support to Malawian nationals stranded in its soil just Lilongwe was doing with 200 Mozambican nationals stranded in Malawi due to floods.
Currently over 85, 000 people have been affected by floods and over 150 people are feared dead in Nsanje alone
