At least 90% of people affected by natural disasters have so far been assisted with relief items, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has disclosed.

Speaking to Yoneco FM online, spokesperson for the department Chipiliro Khamula said a total of 17,118 households have been affected.

“So far we have recorded  29 deaths of which 26 died after being hit by lightning and 192 people have been injured.”

Khamula said the department received a sum of MK500 million which will be used to respond to disasters.

He stated that Dodma has also intensified awareness on disasters that are likely to occur in light of the rainy season.

“We have started airing early warning jingles so that the public should be protected from disasters.”

The affected councils include Mangochi, Mchinji, Karonga, Nkhotakota and Phalombe.

Meanwhile the department of climate change and meteorological services has alerted the public that in the week beginning 11 January the country will experience heavy rainfall which will likely trigger flash floods in low lying and flood prone areas.