Catholic Bishops in Malawi have commended President Peter Mutharika for declaring the country a national disaster following the devastating floods in the central and southern parts of Malawi.

The floods have killed 45 people and displaced thousands in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Zomba, Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Phalombe, Blantyre, Neno, Mwanza, Balaka, Mangochi and Dedza.

In their statement through their umbrella body, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), the bishops said they are mourning the loss of lives in the wake of the devastating floods.

The bishops said while initial assessments are underway to determine the extent of damage to property and livestock, the situation is indeed a national tragedy.

They emphasized that the nation is in the middle of crisis, an emergency that should be of everyone’s concern and priority in responding to the needs of the affected populations.

The bishops also expressed hope that the declaration by the state president on March 8, 2019 will attract a lot of good will and support from donor partners.

The statement has been signed by Chairman and Archbishop of Blantyre the Most Reverend Thomas Msusa and Vice-Chairman and Bishop of Karonga, Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka.

Others are the Archbishop of Lilongwe Right Reverend Tarsizio Ziyaye, Bishop of Chikwawa Peter Musikuwa, Bishop of Mangochi, Right Reverend Montfort Stima, Bishop of Zomba Right Reverend George Tambala, Bishop of Mzuzu Right Reverend John Ryan and the Diocesan Administrator of Dedza Very Reverend John Chithonje.