Families in Mkhukhi Village, Traditional Authority Karonga in Salima District, are still struggling to recover months after heavy rains in March destroyed their homes, leaving them without shelter, food, and basic necessities.
According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Salima recorded 2,160 affected households, with 431 people displaced and sheltered in eight camps following the March floods.
The district also recorded four deaths and 15 injuries.
One of the affected residents, Isha Mkanthama, said her family has faced severe hardships since their house collapsed during the heavy rains.
“Since the house collapsed, we have been struggling without proper shelter,” she said.
Mkanthama added that her husband suffered health complications following the incident.
“My husband developed high blood pressure due to stress and later suffered a stroke. He is no longer able to work, so I am now responsible for providing for the family,” she said.
Another resident, Bibiyana Kalema, said the disaster affected both food security and children’s education.
“Our crops failed because of the rains, and some school materials were destroyed when the house collapsed,” she said.
In a press release issued on March 26, DoDMA said more than 69,000 households were affected nationwide, with 34 deaths and 197 injuries recorded across 23 councils.
The department said it is providing relief assistance in collaboration with humanitarian partners and has developed a US$10 million response plan for recovery efforts.
However, affected families in Mkhukhi Village say they still need support with shelter, household items and school materials as they continue rebuilding their lives months after the disaster.
