Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yohane Symon
Published on 2024-03-08 07:02:28
Rising water levels in Lake Malawi and the Shire River have caused significant disruptions in Mangochi District, resulting in the displacement of several households. The impact of the flooding extends to hospitality industry infrastructure and community members’ houses, leading to the suspension of operations for some businesses as water submerges parts of their structures. Surprisingly, the area has not experienced heavy rainfall in the past six days, yet the flooding persists.
A visit to Traditional Authority (TA) Mapila’s area revealed that over half of the houses in Mapila and Mwanyama villages have been submerged in water. Villagers attribute the rising waters to the nearby Shire River. Saitikadzuwa Village, near Mpondasi Trading Centre, also experienced flooding, with several houses being submerged. Asiza Jafali from Mwanyama Village shared her experience of the floods, stating that they noticed the water levels increasing and were forced to evacuate their homes in search of rental accommodations. Unfortunately, some individuals remain trapped in their homes with no alternative shelter.
The floods have led to significant losses for many residents, with household items being washed away by the water. Witchard Mayere from Mapila Village lamented the collapse of infrastructure on his plot, jeopardizing the investments he made in construction projects. He speculated that the partial closure of Kamuzu Barrage in Liwonde may be contributing to the flooding, although authorities have refuted this claim.
Traditional Authority Mapira emphasized the urgent need for temporary shelter and food for the affected individuals in his area as they seek permanent relocation options. He called on authorities to intervene and assist the displaced population promptly. The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) attributed the rising water levels in Lake Malawi and the Shire River to swollen major rivers in the Northern Region, warning of continued flooding in the coming days due to the excess water flowing into the lake. NWRA advised property developers to consult with them before constructing near water bodies to prevent similar issues in the future.
The situation in Mangochi District serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts. The displaced families and businesses require immediate assistance to address their needs and facilitate recovery from the floods. Collaboration between local authorities, government agencies, and community members is essential in responding effectively to such crises and preventing future occurrences through sustainable development practices.
Read the original article on The Times
