At least 2,000 people have been affected while 560 others have been displaced in the districts of Salima, Karonga and Phalombe due to floods.

Assessments by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator in Malawi show that the floods have been caused by heavy rains, since February 7, 2018.

The assessments indicate that the main needs are food assistance and shelter, especially for those displaced in Traditional Authorities Kaduya in Phalombe, Kyungu in Karonga and Pemba as well as Kalonga in Salima.

In Salima, 85 households have been displaced and people have since been relocated to a camp in their respective traditional authorities.

Salima District Council provided chlorine, mosquito nets, maize and beans to the affected households.

In Phalombe, 68 households have been displaced and are camping at Phaloni Primary School.

Seven households have been displaced in Karonga but due to the cholera outbreak, a camp has not been set up although DoDMA has provided tents for the displaced families.

While DoDMA and other stakeholders have managed to trigger the response in terms of food and non-food items (mostly shelter), there are still gaps.

The assessed gaps include sanitary pads for girls, items for pregnant women, Chlorine for water treatment, water storage buckets and sanitary facilities.