By Shaffie A Mtambo
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reported a significant increase in the number of households affected by recurrent disasters in Malawi. As of today, Friday, the number of affected households has risen from 31,413 to 35,661, with a total of 35 deaths and 469 injuries recorded.
According to Chipiliro Khamula, DoDMA’s Principal Information Management Officer, approximately 160,475 people have been affected by various disasters, including stormy rains, hailstorms, heavy rains, floods, and lightning. The affected households have suffered significant damage, with 644 households displaced and forced to seek shelter in temporary camps.
DoDMA has set up two active camps to provide assistance to the displaced households. The Mangochi camp is currently hosting 613 households, while another camp in Blantyre is hosting 31 households. The recent floods in these two districts have affected over 2000 households, with most of the deaths and injuries caused by lightning and damage to walls and roofs.
In response to the disaster, DoDMA is providing food and non-food items to the survivors. The department is working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the disasters and provide support to those affected. The rising toll of the disaster serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures in Malawi.
