Chiradzulu district in Malawi is in mourning today as five women from Chibwana Village are feared dead after being washed away by a flooded Sandekwe River.

The devastating incident occurred earlier today as a result of heavy rain, which caused a number of rivers in the area to overflow.

According to the district’s Police spokesperson, Constable Cosmas Kagulo, the women were on their way back from a forest where they had gone to collect firewood.

The victims have been identified as Rose Chapita, 35, Aisha Mussa, 23, Patience Mussa, 18, Beyonce Chikapa, 12, and Tazila, 12.

The Chiradzulu community has come together to launch a search and rescue operation for the missing women.