Malawi Floods – Update
President Peter Mutharika, has declared Malawi a state of disaster following the flash floods that mainly hit the southern part of the country of the South-East African country and subsequently appealed to international community to come in and help the affected people.
According to state media, at least 50 people are confirmed dead while scores are missing and 60,000 people have been displaced as their houses have either been washed away or are submerged in flood waters.
As of now, the country’s armed forces have deployed two helicopters and six rescue boats to the worst hit districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje to rescue people some of whom are trapped in trees and roof tops of the few remaining structures since Tuesday night.
A toll free disaster helpline (115) has been established where people can call and report latest flooding if anything happens in their areas. The line can be accessed from any local network.
The government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs is appealing for material assistance from well wishers both local and international so that it adequately respond to the immediate needs of flood victims like temporary shelter materials, maize floor and kitchen utensils.
Malawi has been experiencing continuous heavy rains since Sunday which have led to an unprecedented level of flooding affecting a record 17 districts.
For those willing to donate money, three bank accounts have been opened for purpose. Local well wishers can deposit through Malawi Kwacha, account numbers 9700000100514 and 9700000105257 while for the international community they can use a United States Dollar-Foreign Currency Denominated Account Number: FDH Bank Limited 8600000018078, Swift Code FDHFMWMW or Barclays Bank, London, Swift Code: BARCGB22, Account Number 77231488. The Malawi Floods Relief bank accounts are for Malawi Government and the Cheques should be payable to: “Office of the Vice President-Disaster Management.” For further informations see MANA Online (Malawi News Agency)