DoDMA Extends Lifeline to Flood-Hit Families in Machinga

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs has provided vital relief assistance to 121 households in Traditional Authority Liwonde in Machinga District following destructive heavy rains that damaged homes earlier this month.

Each affected household received a 50-kilogramme bag of maize as part of government efforts to cushion vulnerable families from hunger and displacement.

Senior Chief Liwonde expressed gratitude to the government through DoDMA, noting that the intensity of the rains left many families with nowhere to seek refuge.

He observed that communities in Machinga, particularly in his area, have endured a series of disasters in recent years largely attributed to the effects of climate change.

The traditional leader said the relief items would significantly ease the burden on households that lost shelter and basic necessities.

One of the beneficiaries, Ellen Makhanga from Group Village Headman Chiwalo, described the destruction of her house as a shocking ordeal, especially as a widow caring for grandchildren.

She thanked the government for including her in the relief programme, adding that support from well-wishers had helped renovate her house and allowed her to refocus on farming.

Secretary for the Area Disaster Risk Management Committee in TA Liwonde, Alice Willard, said the committee intends to intensify community sensitisation on disaster risk preparedness.

She explained that increased awareness would help reduce vulnerability and prevent a recurrence of similar losses in the future.

Machinga District Disaster Risk Management Desk Officer Lucy Beyadi urged communities to remain alert and to relocate to safer areas when disaster risks are imminent.

She emphasised that while the maize relief addresses immediate food needs, long-term safety depends on avoiding settlement in disaster-prone locations.

Households from Group Village Headmen Liwonde, Chiwalo, Maweha and Mwikala were among those that benefited from the relief exercise.

Authorities indicated that further outreach is planned to reach other affected areas as assessments continue across the district.