Information from the Zimbabwean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and State-owned publication The Herald indicates that Vice-President Kembo Mohadi handed over the donation on Wednesday to Malawi’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe General Peter Namathanga (Retired). The other support includes blankets, clothing, tents, medical supplies and transportation of the items to Malawi. According to The Herald, Mohadi noted that the floods had compounded an already difficult humanitarian situation marked by food insecurity.
He said: “Our response today is guided not only by humanitarian considerations, but also by the deep historical, cultural and social ties that bind Zimbabwe and Malawi.” On his part, Namathanga expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Malawi, describing the donation as a timely gesture of friendship. In an interview yesterday, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) commissioner Wilson Moleni said the support reduces the burden on the Malawi Government, noting that there is always a huge need for assistance when disasters strike. Since the onset of the rainy season, stormy rains, flash floods and lightning have affected 29 districts across Malawi.
In a statement yesterday, Moleni indicated that 35 758 households, representing over 160 000 people have been affected, with 36 deaths, 168 injuries and two missing persons recorded. Nkhotakota District is the worst affected, with 2 132 households displaced, 11 deaths and 37 injuries. Meanwhile, forecast from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services indicate continued flood risks in Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, Mzuzu, Likoma, Nkhotakota, Salima, Kasungu, Dowa, Mchinji, Machinga, Mangochi Zomba and Balaka.
