People affected by heavy rains in Mzuzu City have appealed to government and other well-wishers for humanitarian assistance.

The appeal comes after floods on Wednesday destroyed houses and toilets in St Augustine, Salisbury Lines, Chibanja, Viyele, Chiputula and Ching’ambo areas.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Ezelina Simwayi, one of the survivors from Chibanja Township, said the floods destroyed her home.

“We don’t have a toilet just like other survivors. I am afraid failure to renovate toilets will result in the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera,” she said.

Simwayi also asked authorities to quickly distribute relief food items to survivors.

One of the affected students at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Daniel Soko said he lost his laptop computer and mobile phone during the disaster.

Mzuni Students Union Council president Greenson Mbotwa said the floods affected 150 off-campus students.

He said 51 students were rendered destitute since their foodstuffs were destroyed.

“We commend Mzuni management for moving in quickly to secure accommodation for some of the affected students within campus,” said Mbotwa.

Chibavi West Ward councillor Gabriel Mwaungulu called for urgent assistance from government and other non-governmental organisations.

Mzuzu City Council spokesperson McDonald Gondwe said the floods affected six of the city’s 15 wards.

He said their preliminary report shows that the floods affected at least 70 households.

Gondwe said two children sustained injuries after walls fell on them.

He attributed the floods to blocked drainage system, among others.

Gondwe advised residents to follow weather forecast messages to prepare for eventualities.

“We are yet to submit a report to the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs as the assessment is ongoing,” said Gondwe.

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