By George Mponda

Karonga, April 1, Mana: Floods have affected 1017 households in Karonga forcing 161 from Senior Chief Kilupula's area to seek refuge in makeshift camps.

According to Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi, from 25th up to 30th March 2025, the district has been receiving heavy rains which led to the flooding of Kyungu River, North Rukuru River, Wovwe River, Songwe River and other small streams.

"So far from the preliminary report produced, 1017 households have been affected, and out of this, 161 households from Senior Chief Kilupula's area are in camps. Three people have been reported dead, one male after being hit by lightning and two children who drowned in the Kyungu River," said Magalasi.

"The affected Traditional Authorities are Mwakaboko, Kilupula, Kyungu, Mwilangombe and Wasambo, and we have established three camps all in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, namely Chimalabanthu Village Camp, Chakwera Village Camp, Yalero Village Camp," he added.

According to Magalasi, the affected population requires relief support such as shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, kitchen utensils and clothes.

"The devastating floods in Karonga have rendered some areas inaccessible, causing delays in report submissions for the affected regions. Inadequate resources for assessment and verification are also hindering efforts, while the continued heavy rains threaten to increase flooding incidents," he added.

On his part, Village Headman Chimalabanthu said people in camps require food and shelter.

"At the moment, women and men are putting up in the same room, which is not ideal. We need toilets, tents as well as food, because since they came here, they have only eaten once, and we would like government to assist quickly," said Chimalabanthu.