About K290 billion is needed to recover the production, social and infrastructure sectors following the devastating floods that hit the country’s 15 districts.  

This was disclosed during the official launch of the Malawi 2019 Floods Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Report in Lilongwe, a function presided over by the country’s Vice President Everton Chimulirenji.

Speaking during the function, the Vice President appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to be prudent on the use of resources during the recovery process.

In an interview with YFM, Secretary and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni said the money will be used in reaching out the recovery of all damages and losses experienced during the disaster.

“The essence of this report is basically quantification of the damages and losses and then what we need for us to recover from the disaster,” said Moleni.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Maria José Torres has told YFM that there is need for coordination between government and stakeholders so that recovery process benefits the intended flood victims.

“There is need to put resources and priorities into one such all affected people are reached out with support,” advised Torres.

About 60 people lost their lives, and 975, 000 were affected whilst 86, 976 got displaced due to the devastating floods largely caused due to Cyclone Idai.

Assessments for the Malawi 2019 PDNA Report were done from 4 to 18 April this year, and Nsanje was the worst hit followed by Machinga and Chikwawa districts.