By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, March 21, Mana: The Malawi Red Cross Society on Thursday donated a once off cash of K180, 000 to 587 survivor households of Cyclone Chido in Balaka.

Speaking on behalf of the Red Cross during the cash distribution in Nkaya Khwalala Village, Zomba District Coordinator, Tionge Luhanga, assured the community that they were not alone in their struggles and said despite coming in late due to logistical constraints, they were glad to reach out to help people.

“We understand the pain and suffering that Cyclone Chido has brought to this community. Today, we are here to stand with you and provide support to help you rebuild. Each affected household will receive 180, 000 Malawi Kwacha to assist with their urgent needs,” Luhanga said.

One of the beneficiaries Lydia Kalitera, a 68-year-old resident of Nkaya Khwalala Village, with tears in her eyes, clasped her hands together and praised the Red Cross for their generosity.

“This donation means everything to us; since the cyclone hit, life has been very difficult. We lost our homes, our crops, and many of our belongings, but today, thanks to the Red Cross, we can begin to rebuild. May God bless them for remembering us in our time of need,” she said.

Balaka District Acting Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Alick Milanzi hailed Red Cross for the gesture, saying people from Balaka are passing through a hard time since the cyclone.

“We have seen a lot of calamities, flooding, droughts, hailstorm, all that left marks which are so hard to take off. Seeing good Samaritans coming to assist, is always a blessing,” he said.

1,408, households were affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Balaka in 2024, and the distribution was made in Traditional Authority Nkaya, Nsamala and Matola.