Floods Displace Over 200 People in Rumphi District, Malawi

RUMPHI, Malawi - More than 200 people from Chihanga and Chibo villages in the area of Traditional Authority Mwalweni in Rumphi District have been displaced from their homes due to floods, resulting in the destruction of crops and household property, writes Manasse Nyirenda, MANA.

The floods have forced some of the affected individuals to seek shelter at Chitimba Primary School, according to Gilbert Chirambo, the Councillor for Chiweta-Chitimba Ward, which has been severely impacted by the flooding.

A list compiled by the Chibo Village Development Committee indicates that approximately 110 people have been affected in Chibo Village, while a report from Chihanga Village indicates that nearly 79 people have been affected there as well.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed by the Rumphi District Council through the district's Disaster Desk Office, as stated by Mathews Mkandawire, the Director of Administration for Rumphi District Council.

The displaced individuals are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and medical care.

The local authorities, along with relevant stakeholders and humanitarian organizations, are working to provide support to those affected by the floods and assess the situation to determine the appropriate response.

Floods are a common occurrence in Malawi during the rainy season, often causing widespread damage to infrastructure, crops, and livelihoods.

Efforts to mitigate the impact of floods, including early warning systems, disaster preparedness measures, and infrastructure development, continue to be a priority for the government and humanitarian agencies in the region.