Two Sisters Found Dead in Nsanje as TCF-Related Death Toll Rises to Eight

Malawi-Two sisters who were reported missing in Nsanje have been found dead, entangled in shrubs in the district's waters, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The duo has been identified as Estery Dinga, 15, and Nelia Dinga, 12, from Mchacha James village in the area of Senior Chief Mlolo in Nsanje.

Nsanje Police Station Officer-In-Charge Assistant Commissioner of Police-ACP, Dr Joseph Mutupha, who is also the Chair for the Rescue and Rescue Team in Nsanje, has confirmed the development.

Dr Mutupha said Aubrey Jeke, a secondary school teacher, reported the finding of the two bodies of the sisters, bringing the total death toll to eight in Nsanje.

According to the chair of the Rescue and Rescue Team, on March 15, 2023, 15 people were reported missing on an island called Makhanga in the area of Senior Chief Mlolo in the district.

Dr Mutupha said the 15 were seeking refuge in trees for their safety, but the trees fell into the waters and were washed away by the flooding. This brings the total number of people missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Nsanje to 17.

Efforts are being made to trace their identities, and the search for their bodies is ongoing.

The Rescue and Rescue Team Leader also disclosed that the World Food Programme (WFP) and Iris Africa boats, two each, have managed to evacuate 602 people from the island of Makhanga who are stationed at Bangula Admarc Camp.

Meanwhile, the water levels are still rising, partly due to the coming down of water from the upland areas.