The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says it has built elevation centers in flood prone districts to provide refuge during severe flooding.

Speaking to YFM, DoDMA Publicist, Chipiliro Khamula described elevation buildings as the most effective measure to reduce flood damages saying they are higher than where flood waters are estimated to reach during major flooding.

“With support from the United Nations and the Republic of China we have built the elevation centers in Nsanje, Salima, Mangochi and Chikwawa so that people should find shelters in times of disasters,” he said.

Khamula further said the department is constructing mitigating structures under Small Grass Project to minimize identified risks for flood prone structures.

“We have built check dams in Mangochi and we will continue constructing the structures in flood prone areas in order to minimize harm from already known risks.”

Khamula further added: “Disasters can occur anywhere and we are looking forward to build mitigation and elevation centers in each and every district across the country in future.

He however assured safety to Malawians in flood prone areas during the 2018/2019 rain season.