By Namoni Chitukuta

Mzuzu, November 11, Mana: As rainy season approaches, Mzuzu City Council (MCC) through its disaster office has advised residents settling in flood prone areas to relocate to higher places.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Acting Director of Engineering Services for MCC, Precious Mandala pleaded with households dwelling in informal and disaster prone areas to move to safer places.

 “I would wish to advise and warn those households staying in disaster prone locations in Mzuzu to relocate to safe areas to avoid falling victims to natural disasters such as flash floods,” said Mandala,

The advice comes following a seasonal weather forecast of 2024/2025 rainy season released by the Department of Climate Change and meteorological Services (DCCMS).

The release indicates that this year, Malawi will receive more rainfall than expected. Last year, some parts of Mzuzu City including Zolozolo, Chibanja and Chibavi townships experienced floods and a number of households were affected.

Last year’s rainy season claimed four lives of members of same family in Masasa Township when a house which they were living in collapsed during the night due to a landslide.

Meanwhile, Project Officer for Mzuzu Malawi Red Cross Society, Georgina Jongwe said the organization is prepared to respond to natural disasters in the city.

“We have human capacity on the ground and non-food items including blankets. We are also disseminating early warning messages for them to prepare for proactive actions in case of disasters,” said Jongwe.

She also said that MRCS is working hand in hand with MCC and the DCCMS and it is ready to work with any interested partners on disaster related issues.