By Abubakar Kanjoka

Kasungu, March 18, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society has distributed various items and money to 673 families who were affected by Cyclone Chido in Kasungu District.

The items included blankets, solar lamps, pots, mat, tarpaulins, hygiene packs for women and money amounting to K180, 000 per household.

In December last year, heavy winds and rains induced by Chido tore off roofs from houses and institutions, uprooted trees and billboards, and caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 980 households destitute, primarily in Kasungu townships.

Speaking during the distribution of the relief items at Chankhanga in Kasungu on Monday, Head of Disaster Management for Malawi Red Cross Society, Patrick Phiri, said lives for the victims has been hard following the destruction of their houses and property.

He said the charity organization managed to mobilize aid to lessen the life pressures that have been there since the disaster struck.

“We are not here to please anyone but to give some relief to the disaster victims who are going through very tough moments.

“I urge each one of you to use the relief aid for the intended purpose. Whatever is given out should be used for the best interest of the family,” Phiri said.

He said he expects the benefiting households to use the donations as a starter pack for rebuilding their lives.

Chief Planning Officer for Kasungu District Council, George Mtengowadula, hailed the society for the assistance saying it has come at the right time when many of the victims had lost hope that they would be assisted.

“Almost 70 percent of affected families are now relieved that they have received something as a starting point in the reconstruction of their homes.

“As council we will still engage our implementing partners in the district for help to make sure that all the affected families have been supported in one way or the other,” Mtengowadula said.

Chifundo Chalema, a beneficiary from Juma Township said life has been tough since the disaster occurred.

She expressed gratitude to Malawi Red Cross Society, saying that the money received will help to roof her house which she already started renovating.

Apart from destroying infrastructure, Cyclone Chido also killed seven people and affected at least 34, 741 in 20 councils.

With financial support of about K304 Million from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), Malawi Red Cross in Partnership with the Government of Malawi is implementing the Cyclone Chido relief aid response in four districts of Phalombe, Blantyre, Zomba and Kasungu.