Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have destroyed crops covering about 12 hectares, damaged at least 60 houses and schools in areas of Senior Chiefs Mwenewenya and Kameme in Chitipa District, leaving communities reeling.
The rains, which started on December 23, 2025, caused flooding in Ipenza area under Senior Chief Kameme, washing away various crops and dealing a severe blow to local farmers.
Acting District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Roy Pangani, said 6.7 hectares of beans, 3.0 hectares of maize, 0.5 hectares of sweet potatoes and 0.4 hectares of sunflower were destroyed by the floods, highlighting the extent of the damage.
In areas under Senior Chief Mwenewenya, strong winds accompanying the heavy rains destroyed houses and blew off rooftops at Kamilamphande Primary School, disrupting education and daily life.
Pangani said Chitipa District Council officials and local structures are on the ground to assess the number of households affected by the disasters, offering some hope for support and relief.
One of the affected residents from Kamilamphande, Mercy Chione, said the situation is distressing, especially considering the high cost of iron sheets on the market, and appealed for government intervention.
Chione asked the government through the department of disaster to intervene, saying รขยยI am sleeping in a wet place because the temporary shelter we have managed to construct is failing to withstand heavy downpour. We ask for help from the relevant authorities,รขยย a poignant plea for assistance.
Chitipa District experienced a prolonged dry spell starting from early November, but the area is now receiving heavy rainfall, a stark contrast that underscores the unpredictability of the weather.
The people of Chitipa are counting on support and assistance to rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods, as the district struggles to cope with the aftermath of the devastating floods.
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