More than 300 houses have been damaged after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds swept through four villages—Ntaka, Milomba, Matenganya and Malunda—in the area of Sub–Traditional Authority Mumba under Chowe in Mangochi on November 23.
According to Kabichi Selemani, chairperson of the Village Development Resources Management Committee, the number of affected households is expected to rise as assessments are still underway.
He confirmed that many families have been left without shelter after roofs were blown off and homes collapsed.
Selemani said the Mangochi District Council has already been notified and appealed to authorities for urgent support, noting that many residents are in need of temporary shelter, food and basic supplies after losing their belongings.
One of the victims, Patuma Mdala of Milonda Village, said her family is struggling after their house collapsed, destroying most of their property.
She said they were forced to spend the night at a neighbour’s home.
“We are asking government and organisations to assist us quickly. My children and I have nowhere to sleep, and all our food and household items were destroyed,” Mdala said.
Mangochi Malindi Ward Councillor Mushe James, who is also the vice-chairperson of the Mangochi District Council, said he has reported the incident to the District Commissioner and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) for immediate action.
