Stormy rains kill one in Mangochi, 10 others injured

One person has died and 10 others injured following stormy rains that destroyed houses and other structures in Mangochi on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a preliminary report issued by Mangochi District Council, 893 households in three Traditional Authorities (T/As) of Chimwala, Mapira and Mponda were affected following the disaster which destroyed houses and other infrastructure in the areas, rendering some families destitute. 

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Speaking in an interview, the council`s spokesperson, Bishop Witmos said the affected families are in urgent need of humanitarian support.

‘‘The rains started around 1 O’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday causing destruction mainly in three T/As. The storm blew off roofs of schools, people’s houses mosques and other infrastructure. Unfortunately, we lost one young person who died while receiving treatment at hospital, after a structure had fallen down on him.

‘‘As of now, our finding shows that 893 households have been affected by the disaster which destroyed their houses. we are appealing for immediate humanitarian support of materials such as food, blankets, as well as clothes, in order to cushion the affected communities,’’ said Witmos.

He said amongs the damaged infrastructure includes two school blocks at S.T Charles Lwangwa in the area of T/A Mponda, as well as a school block at St. John primary school in the area of T/A Chimwala.  

Following the development, there was a black out across the district for over six hours, as the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) reported that over 20 poles were brought down.

Meanwhile, one of the affected, Mirriam Alley from TA Chimwala said following the development, her family has nowhere to get food as everything have been damaged in her house.