By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, February 11, Mana: At least 2,000 households in Blantyre have been affected by heavy rains since the onset of rains last year.

Blantyre District Council, Disaster Risk Management Officer, Faith Khamula told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Saturday that the hardest-hit areas include Traditional Authorities Lundu, Kapeni, and Chigaru.

“We recorded cases of crop fields being washed away, houses and schools destroyed, among others,” she said.

Khamula said government, through Blantyre District Council and non-governmental organisations, supported affected households with food and non-food items such as maize, beans, soap, blankets, and plastic buckets.

“Organisations like the Malawi Red Cross Society and development partners, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are also assisting, particularly in areas where people were affected by Cyclone Chido,” she added and stated that no major displacements had been reported.

Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) Spokesperson Yobu Kachiwanda noted significant differences in rainfall patterns this year compared to the last rainfall season.

“Last year’s rainy season was generally dry in the south and centre, but this year, many areas have experienced consistent heavy rains, especially from January onwards,” he added.

Kachiwanda cautioned the general public, including Blantyre residents, to brace for more heavy rains, storms, and potential flash floods in the coming weeks, saying there is a need to take precautional measures to avoid rains-related accidents.

“People should follow weather updates closely, ensure their homes are secure, and avoid living in disaster-prone areas,” he advised.

Blantyre Disaster Risk Management Office therefore stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk management into community projects to build resilience and reduce vulnerability