Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has donated relief maize to 415 households affected by rainstorms in 11 villages in Senior Chief Kilupula in Karonga District.

Rainstorms in November this year affected 14 districts, destroying houses and other infrastructure. Dodma also reported that 19 people were killed by either lightning or collapsing walls.

People take their maize home

Speaking on Wednesday during the distribution of the relief maize, Karonga district relief and rehabilitation officer Shepherd Jere appealed to well-wishers for shelter materials and kitchen utensils for the survivors.

He said: “After assessing the situation, we noticed several gaps that included shortage of food, shelter materials and kitchen utensils. Government through Dodma swiftly came in with relief maize.

“However, this is not enough because the strong winds destroyed roofs and kitchen utensils.”

Kaporo North Extension Planning Area extension development officer Innnocent Chavula advised the beneficiaries against selling the maize.

However, he said besides relying on early warning messages, village civil protection committee members are sensitising people on afforestation to mitigate strong winds.

A beneficiary, Bene Mwenewisi, thanked Dodma for the donation.

He also appealed to well-wishers to help with roofing materials.

“My house was destroyed by strong winds and I have sought refuge at my relative’s home,” he said.

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