Vice President Saulos Chilima has pledged government’s support to people in Karonga who have been affected by floods due to incessant rains since Friday.
Chilima made the commitment Wednesday in Karonga when he visited flood victims at various camps.
Close to 6,000 people are at risk of contracting waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation resulting from floods that have affected traditional authorities Kilupula, Kyungu, Mwirang’ombe and Wasambo.
Currently four people have been confirmed dead while three others are missing and 878 houses have been destroyed completely.
Karonga District Commissioner Richard Hara informed Chilima that the situation in the six camps that have been established in the district is disheartening.
“Toilets have collapsed and wells from which people draw water have been destroyed. People are currently drinking unprotected water,” Hara said.
A report by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) which was presented to Chilima warned that the affected people are at risk of malnutrition, contracting cholera and other waterborne diseases as well as malaria, tuberculosis and other respiratory infections.
Chilima—who is minister responsible for Dodma—said the government would distribute chlorine besides other interventions to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
“I’m aware that those affected are at risk and I’m also aware that no immediate measures have been put in place to control the situation. However, the President is with you and he will take care of you,” Chilima said.
Chilima, however, explained that trucks carrying food supplies could not get to Karonga due to a cut on the M1 Road at Jalawe Bridge on Tuesday night.
“The Roads Authority has assured us they will maintain the bridge by 1 o’clock. Food and other materials will still come to help the affected families,” Chilima said.
Approximately 1,075 hectares of rice, maize and cassava have been washed away.
Meanwhile, Chilima has warned government officials and others against stealing relief items.
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