By Sarah Mlozoa

Malawi requires about K508 billion to fully recover from the damages caused by floods that hit the country in March this year.

This is according to a recent disaster recovery framework.

Meanwhile, Malawi Vice President who is also minister responsible for Disaster Management Affairs Everton Herbert Chimulirenji has called on Malawians and relevant stakeholders to start building strong structures to avoid future damages as the country battles out with the aftermath of the last floods.

Chimulirenji made the call on Sunday during the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction which took place at Mtangaye primary school ground in Machinga district.

Speaking at the event, country representative for World Food Program in Malawi, Benoit Thiry expressed concern that Malawi is one of the countries in southern Africa experiencing various forms of natural disasters.

Principal Secretary and commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni concurred with Thiry that Malawi has fallen victim of the climate change.

“As one way of trying to avert the situation, we are working on the process of relocating people living in disaster prone areas to safer places.”

He further added that they have managed to relocate Mwalija community members from Traditional Authority (TA) Kasisi in Chikwawa district to safe and higher areas.

Currently the country is struggling to source funds for disaster recovery. So far government has managed to mobilize 57 billion leaving a gap of K126 billion from the money needed.

The day was commemorated under the theme; Build to Last, which took much emphasis on the need for Malawians to start building resilient structures.