Heavy rains at the end of December 01 and the first week of January
02 caused flooding in the 4 districts of Chikwawa, Dedza, Salima,
and Karonga after swollen Mwanza and Shire rivers burst their banks.
Chikwawa district was the most severely hit with 1,750 households
in 13 villages being affected. A total of 220 people have reportedly
been displaced with loss of all their properties and homes. Over 4,000
farmers lost their crops as their gardens were washed away. ACT member
the Evangelical Lutheran Development Program (ELDP) has indicated
it wishes to assist the victims of the floods in the districts of
Chikwawa and Karonga where they currently have programs. Assistance
to the other two districts would be provided by other agencies working
there.
Most of the villages affected also experienced flooding early last
year. The authorities have tried to move people from the lower Shire
plains to higher grounds but most of the people refuse to move, preferring
to wait for the rainy season to determine whether to move or not.
In most cases when the floods occur, it is usually too late for the
people to move and save their properties.
ELDP indicate that the affected people need food, seeds, blankets,
kitchen utensils, and plastic sheeting. However, IRIN reports that
a survey conducted by WFP on 3 January 02 indicated that the situation
was not so alarming as no serious damage was caused except for the
loss of the seedlings in the gardens and a few families that lost
their homes and properties.
ELDP is monitoring the situation and will advise the ACT CO accordingly.
Meanwhile, they are considering submitting a Rapid Response request
for immediate relief in Chikwawa and Karonga.
