By George Mponda

Karonga, April 12, Mana: The Malawi Red Cross Society has said it will disburse cash to 600 households which were affected by flooding in Karonga for shelter rehabilitation.

Emergency Operations Coordinator for Malawi Red Cross Society Lewis Solomon said this Thursday during a Disaster Risk Management Commitee (DRMC) meeting in Karonga.

Solomon said; "We have secured funding through our partner International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and we will disburse cash amounting K250,000 to support those whose houses were heavily damaged by floods to do rehabilitation works.

"We also have complimentary interventions in water and sanitation as well as health services and we are working with the District Health Office (DHO) to conduct health promotions in the targeted areas," he added.

According to Solomon, the intervention will run for three months to the end of June but all activitiess will be conducted concurrently to make sure they are delievering comprehensive support.

"We have also intergrated issues to do with protection, gender and inclusion as well as accountability in the disbursement process and I would like to urge the beneficiaries to use the funds for their intended purpose," he explained.

Acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District Council, Khumbo Mkandawire hailed the Malawi Red Cross Society for bailing out the flood survivors.

"The council is always grateful to Malawi Red Cross who step in to support whenever disasters befall us. K250, 000 is a lot of money which will go a long way in ensuring that those whose houses were damaged should rebuild stronger houses and we will support this initiative for it to have an impact," she said.

According to the Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council Humphrey Magalasi, over 1600 households are in dire need for support following floods which affected areas of Paramount Chief Kyungu, Senior Chief Mwakaboko and Senior Chief Kilipula