Floods kill three, damage property in Dowa

Three people in Dowa have died whilst 139 have been left destitute following flash floods which occurred on Saturday, after a period of prolonged heavy rains.

The floods, which washed away houses, infrastructure and crops, occurred in parts of Traditional Authorities (TA) Dzoole, Msakambewa and Mponela, in villages along Kasangazi River.

Confirming the development, TA Mponela described the disaster as a nightmare, saying the affected households require urgent help.

“I can confirm that we have lost three people due to the disaster and as we speak, a lot of families do not have anywhere to stay. We need urgent help in form of shelter, food and domestic materials like blankets, ” said TA Mponela.

TA Mponela said fields and crops which were at an advanced stage had been washed away, putting people at a risk of hunger.

“People had invested a lot on these fields and if they are to replant, they will need help in terms of seed and fertilizer. However, this will still affect the overall harvest and the affected people are at risk of hunger in the coming months,” he said.

Across the district, 37 houses have been destroyed, with 20 totally washed away; and in TA Msakambewa alone, over 700 households have been affected.

In his remarks, Councilor for Msakambewa East Ward, Martin Luka said the floods have also damaged some infrastructure, including five bridges.

“These include Lingadzi Bridge at Kadiwa, Uzami Bridge at Kalwembe – Mzukwa Road and Uzami Bridge on Mkanga – Kalikwembe Road.

“We anticipate that this would result in mobility challenges within the affected communities,” he said.

In his remarks, Dowa District Commissioner, Stallichi Mwambiwa said the council has deployed people on the ground to determine the extent of the damage and to coordinate response.

Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs has donated various relief items to some of the affected households which include maize floor, beans, tents, buckets, and blankets.