More than 544 people in Mtochira Village under Senior Chief Pemba in Salima have been displaced following persistent heavy rains throughout March that triggered flooding across the district.
A preliminary assessment conducted on Monday revealed widespread impact, prompting the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to intensify response efforts.
Principal Disaster Response Officer Efford Kachigwada said the department is collaborating with district-level clusters to provide support to affected communities.
Kachigwada noted that the ongoing assessment is focusing on critical sectors, including education, health, and agriculture, to determine the extent of damage and guide intervention measures.
He expressed optimism that water levels may soon recede, allowing displaced residents to return to their homes and reunite with their families.
Village Disaster Risk Management Committee (VDRMC) Secretary Jamison Kadango said the floods have made daily life difficult for residents.
“The flooding has made our daily lives very hard. Women are failing to go to the maize mill, and it is difficult to take sick children to the hospital because roads are surrounded by water,” he said.
Kadango thanked the government for providing relief items but appealed for more support, saying the food available in camps is not enough for the growing number of people.
He added that transportation has been disrupted, crops have been destroyed and some livestock have died after rivers overflowed.
However, Kadango appealed for further assistance from well-wishers, citing shortages of food supplies in camps hosting the displaced population.
Earlier findings by the District Disaster Risk Management Committee indicate that at least 1,033 houses have been damaged, with many roofs blown off and walls collapsing due to the heavy rains.
