GOVT SETS ASIDE MK1 BILLION FOR EL-NINO

The government of Malawi has disclosed that it has set aside K1 billion to deal with the El-nino weather which is expected to hit the country as predicted by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.

The Country’s Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima disclosed this in a statement made available to the press aiming at updating Malawians on how the government is preparing to deal with the hunger situation in the country.

Chilima said the likely effect of this phenomenon is that some parts of the country will experience heavy rains and floods while others will experience prolonged dry spells towards the end of the season.

“In view of this looming catastrophe, the Malawi government has set aside K1 billion for preparedness and prevention so that in the event that the floods hit, we should be able to respond immediately and not be taken unawares like the last rainy season.

“We intend to use this money to pre-position our troops in strategic areas where they would respond quickly with rescue efforts once disaster strikes. The money will also make sure that all logistics for military helicopters, boats, vehicles are in place and on alert for response,” said Chilima.

He said most importantly the government will ensure that it strengthen media capacity to enhance the dissemination of disaster risk management information to communities.

“We will ensure that you are adequately updated just like we did in January. In essence, we are taking a proactive approach in order to be in a state of preparedness as a country so that we minimize any damage and loss,” said Chilima.

Chilima said government is doing everything possible to ensure that it is in the state of preparedness.

Meanwhile Chilima has urged people in flood-prone areas to move to upland areas.