Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting families affected by floods and heavy rains that fell continuously in central and southern Malawi.

The assurance was made by the minister of Culture and Civic Education, Everton Chimulirenji when he visited families affected by the catastrophe in Zomba district.

According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, the floods have left 30 people dead 377 injured.

About 468,650 people have affected and 6,341 households have been displaced.

Six people have died in Zomba where over 3,500 families are homeless.

Chimulirenji said government is doing everything possible to assist families that have lost their relations and property through the provision of some relief items.

“People living in this area should not lose faith, the president is always there for them and he will assist in whatever they want,” he said.

Chimulirenji asked people in the country more especially politicians not to politicize the disaster saying it is created by nature.

He therefore requested well-wishers to come forward and assist the affected families.

In his remarks, deputy minister of Homeland Security, Charles Mchacha appealed to authorities in the affected areas to channel the support to the victims rather than their friends and relations.

“Leaders who are responsible in writing names of people who have been affected and are supposed to receive the relief items need to be honest,” he said.

“Everybody who has been affected by these rains has to be living in a very peaceful manner and have food in their homes.”

Meanwhile a team of South African rescue experts and equipment have arrived in Malawi to support and enhance relief operations.