ACT Alert 07/2008: Flooding in Chikwawa and Nsanje, Southern Malawi

Geneva, January 24, 2008

Chikwawa district in the southern region of Malawi has again been hit by floods while in Nsanje district people have started relocating from flood prone areas to higher ground. In Chikwawa, heavy rains caused major flooding between 15th to 16th January 2008 when several rivers burst their banks. The flooding swept away crops, livestock, human dwellings and submerged houses, displacing several hundreds of people. 3 confirmed deaths cases have been reported so far. In Nsanje several hundreds of people are still located in water logged marshy areas where there is a likelihood of the Shire river also bursting its banks which may cause further heavy flooding.

An estimated 523 households are currently homeless (with their houses demolished and belongings washed away). 3 deaths in Chapananga and Ngowe have been confirmed. Currently a total of 471.7 hectares of farm land under crops containing: (maize, sorghum, cassava and sweet potato) has been washed away. More than 100 goats and 200 poultry have been lost. In Nsanje a total of approximately 16,845 people are expected to relocate to higher ground in Nsanje from the floods.

In Chikwawa the displaced population has no permanent shelter, no food, no sanitary facilities, utensils, safe and potable water, enough clothing and blankets. There is a high risk of commutable and water borne diseases as a result of the situation.

Currently no assistance has been given from ACT members the Evangelical Lutheran Development Services (ELDS) or Church Action in Relief and Development (CARD). Both members have a presence in the affected areas. There has also been no assistance provided by other humanitarian organizations so far. The Government of Malawi has only been able to provide tents to some of the people affected by the floods.

ELDS and CARD with support from the ACT Malawi forum members intend to assist the affected populations with distributions of food aid, temporary shelter/sanitary materials (plastic sheeting), utensils, clothing, blankets, water purification tablets and seeds.

A detailed assessment is being conducted by ELDS to target vulnerable persons affected by the floods and to assess the resources needed to support people to recover from the floods. A Rapid Response Fund (RRF) request or an ACT appeal will be sent to ACT CO by next week to facilitate a timely response.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).