The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has said it has registered eight deaths as of February 1, 2024, a rise from five as reported on January 9, 2024.
According to a statement signed by Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba, the total number of injuries (largely caused by stormy rains) remains at 46.
“Since the onset of the rainy season to date, (1st February, 2024) disasters; mainly stormy rains, strong winds, floods and lightning, have affected 20 councils namely: Balaka, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Dowa, Kasungu District, Lilongwe District, Machinga, Mangochi District, Mulanje, Mchinji, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Ntcheu, Nsanje, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo and Zomba City.
“The number of affected households has risen from 4,751 (as reported in our statement dated 9th January, 2024) to 4,989, which is approximately 22,450 people. Death toll is now at eight [from five]; out of which five and three were caused by lightning strikes and floods; respectively.
“Currently, the department has reached out to 4,868 households, (approximately 21,906 people and representing 97 per cent of the total number of the affected) with food and non-food items, which include maize, beans, blankets, pails and plastic sheets.
“Provision of relief assistance is on-going and the department, in collaboration with various humanitarian partners, will reach out to all the affected people as per the reports from affected councils. The general public will be duly informed regarding the status of disasters and any related developments,” reads part of the statement released Thursday.
