MRCS advises flood victims to relocate

Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has advised flood victims in Karonga to relocate to upper areas to protect themselves from the effects of floods that occur every year in the district.

MRCS District Coordinator for Karonga, Blessings Mlowoka, made the call on Tuesday when the organisation distributed relief items to about 647 flood-affected households and those affected by strong winds in senior chiefs Kilupula and Mwakaboko in the district.

“Karonga is one of the disaster-prone districts in the country due to its topography, so, there is need for all people that live in flood-prone areas to move to upper land to avoid loss of lives and property each year,” said Mlowoka.

One of the beneficiaries, Steven Mwakiposa, commended and assured MRCS that the beneficiaries will use the items received for the intended purpose.

“I am one of the people who lost everything in my house. I am, therefore, very grateful for the relief items I have received today. Should I find a better place upland, I would rather relocate there,” said Mwakiposa.

In an interview, District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC) member responsible for Shelter and Camp Management, Aron Mwenelupembe, said many households have been affected by floods in the district and households are in emergency need of assistance to ease the challenges they are currently facing as a result of the disasters.

The assistance, which was sourced with financial support from UNICEF and European Union Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, included blankets, tents, buckets and mats.