By Thula Chisamba 

Rumphi, March 2, Mana: A trail of destruction has been left in Rumphi district, following rainstorms that have ravaged crops, leaving countless farmers in despair. 

The relentless downpours on Saturday, coupled with thunderstorms, swept away entire farms, leaving farmers reeling and counting their losses.

Vitima Chikoza, a farmer from Mhuju, is one of the many victims of the rainstorms. 

"I have lost almost four acres of my maize farm. The rains were so fierce, they destroyed everything in my farm," said Chikoza.

The situation is equally dire in tobacco farms across the district.

Farmers in areas like Luzi, Luhono, Kamphenda, and Bolero have reported widespread destruction.

A farmer from Luhono, Ian Chipofya, said the rains have been heavier than anything he has seen before.

"It is heartbreaking to see our hard work go down the drain," said Chipofya.

Several farms in Chozoli, Buwira and neighbouring Vongo have also been destroyed, according to eyewitnesses. 

A resident of Buwira, Grace Gondwe, says she has seen farms that have been completely destroyed.

The rainstorms have also raised concerns about the livelihoods of farmers who financed their farms with loans in the district, as they do not know how they would service their loans.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture in the district were not immediately available for a comment on the disaster when we went to press.