DoDMA Appeals for Support for Chinsapo Flood Victims
Relief items distributed by DoDMA included maize flour, tents, soap and kitchen utensils, among other necessities.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has appealed to stakeholders to provide urgent assistance to people displaced by heavy rains in Chinsapo Township, Lilongwe, writes Prisca Promise Mashushu, MANA.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Wilson Moleni, appealed on Sunday during a visit to Chinsapo Secondary School, where some of the affected families have sought temporary shelter. DoDMA also donated essential relief items to the victims.
Moleni said at least 97 people — comprising 38 women and 57 men — have been directly affected and require immediate support.
“We came to appreciate the extent of the damage caused by the heavy rains. We can confirm that a lot of property has been destroyed, particularly in Traditional Authorities Malili and M’bwatalika, affecting over 100 people,” he said.
He added that DoDMA would engage the Ministry of Education to suspend classes at Chinsapo Secondary School on Monday to allow the affected families to use the school blocks as a temporary campsite.
Member of Parliament for Kamphuno Constituency, Khadija Chunga, commended DoDMA for its swift response and appealed for further assistance for the victims.
“The tragedy that has befallen my constituency is heartbreaking. I therefore appeal for support, especially food and other necessities,” Chunga said.
One of the affected residents, Estele Asidi, said she lost all her belongings after the rains began around midnight.
“Everything has been destroyed. My business has also been affected as I lost about 500 chickens,” Asidi said.
“I ask well-wishers to assist us in any way possible.”
Relief items distributed by DoDMA included maize flour, tents, soap and kitchen utensils, among other necessities.