President Lazarus Chakwera says the country is in crisis and needs aid following Tropical Storm Ana that has killed 32 and displaced over 845 000 people.

Speaking at Thabwa in Chikwawa on Monday after he flew over the disaster area to assess the damage, Chakwera said there will be need for resources to help reconstruct infrastructure such as roads and houses, including provide basic necessities to affected families.

Chakwera speaks to flood victims at Thabwa in Chikwawa

He said: “I can tell you that Malawi needs help to reconstruct housing for many people and reconstruct the roads and electricity infrastructure that has been destroyed.

“We trust that friends who have come to our aid from everywhere around the globe will come in.”

The President said he is expected to meet some of the country’s donor partners this coming weekend to appeal for more support in the areas of food, shelter and basic necessities.

“I have been informed that in two days’ time they will have completed tabulation of all that is needed. The process has been hampered by lack of connectivity. So they are duly assessing what is needed,” said Chakwera.

He said currently, helicopters are being used in transporting some necessities such as medicine and blood to hospitals, but that the planes are not enough.

While stressing that Malawians must unite to address the challenges caused by the floods, The President said priority will be given in the 2022/23 National Budget on how the country should recover .

He further hailed the coordination between the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) and assistance provided by other humanitarian organisations like the Red Cross.

Dodma commissioner Charles Kalemba said it is a miracle that despite floods being extensive, thousands did not perish.

“Things have been so overwhelming, but then everything is working out because there are concerted efforts on the ground,” he said.

On her part, Chikwawa Mkombezi legislator Abida Mia, who is also Minister of Water and Sanitation, said apart from foodstuffs, there is need for fertiliser and seeds for people to replant .

According to DoDMA, the storm has affected 845,685 from 187,930 households in 17 districts where 32 have been confirmed dead and 147 injured.

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