One person has died and about 7,000 people have been displaced across areas under Traditional Authorities (T/As) Kanyenda and Mphonde in Nkhotakota following a heavy downpour which has caused flash floods in the district.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), the person when a rescue canoe capsized due to high water levels.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba said a national search and rescue team led by the Malawi Defence Force is working with communities in providing life-saving interventions.

He said: “So far, over 900 people who were trapped in various areas, have been rescued. The SAR team is also ferrying relief items which include maize flour and tents earlier dispatched by the department and medical personnel and supplies to areas that require urgent attention.”

Kalemba added that the downpour has caused widespread damage to roads and further hindering essential service delivery.

Nkhotakota Destruct Council further reports that displaced communities are in need of food, clothing, shelter materials such as family tents, blankets, dignity kits and WASH facilities (cups, pails, water treatment chemicals and mobile toilets).

Meanwhile, an update by the Karonga District Council indicates that heavy rains persisted and have largely damaged rice fields in TA Mwakawoko.

As most parts of the lakeshore areas continue experiencing high rainfalls, the department has reiterated calls for communities to move to safer and higher areas.