Families in Chikwawa are still holding their breath after a canoe carrying seven people overturned on the Shire River, leaving one person confirmed dead and three others missing.
Police in Chikwawa say the canoe accident happened on Friday along the stretch between Group Village Headman Kavalo and Njeleza Village in Traditional Authority Kasisi, when the operator reportedly lost control of the vessel, sending all passengers into the fast-flowing river.
Chikwawa Police Public Relations Officer Dickson Matemba confirmed that four people were pulled out after well-wishers rushed to the scene and helped in the initial rescue efforts.
However, authorities have also confirmed that 22-year-old Elena Mikaili died in the accident, while the missing victims have been identified as Jordan Isaac, 28, Anord Sandiasi, 38, and Eliza Mwanditana, 68.
As search efforts continue, local disaster officials say the operation is being slowed down by lack of proper rescue equipment, including modern boats needed to navigate long and difficult stretches of the Shire River.
Samson Beyard, chairperson of the disaster management committee in the area, has told the local media thst the situation has exposed serious gaps in emergency response capacity, adding that communities are now relying on limited resources to continue the search.
He has since appealed for urgent assistance from well-wishers and authorities to strengthen rescue efforts and help locate the missing victims.
