Mzuzu City Council has appealed to well-wishers and development partners to provide relief assistance to households affected by heavy rains. On Sunday evening, parts of Mzuzu experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, which destroyed houses and other structures. Speaking on Monday during inspection of affected areas, Mzuzu City Council disaster desk officer MacDonald Gondwe said assessments were ongoing to establish the number of victims and the extent of damage.
“There is a need for more supplies in the affected wards of Zolozolo, Chiputula, Katawa, Msongwe, Geisha and Mzilawayingwe. We have also received information that some houses have collapsed in Ching’ ambo,” he said. Gondwe added that some houses had not collapsed, but were weakened after being soaked in water.
He said: “These houses developed cracks that pose a serious risk to occupants. “We are, therefore, working with ward disaster committees to relocate such families to temporary shelters as rains are continuing.” Zolozolo West Ward chairperson Waisha Munthali said the affected people were helpless. She said: “While 22 houses have completely collapsed, others are at the mercy of the rains.
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“In addition, households have lost food supplies and property.” Munthali said there was an urgent need for food assistance and beddings. Meanwhile, the rains have also affected public facilities, including Chiputula and Zolozolo primary schools, Katawa Market and Geisha Admarc Depot.
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