By Macmolex Chirwa

Chikwawa, May 18 Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) on Saturday started disbursing cash and assorted non-food items to 947 households that were left destitute by Cyclone Jude at Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District.

Head of Disaster Management at the MRCS, Patrick Duncan Phiri said at Mitondo School in the district that each of the 947 affected households will receive K70,000 in two instalments, making it K140,000 in total.

“The household will receive money and soap to help alleviate some of the challenges the households have been facing due to the effects of Cyclone Jude,” added Phiri.

One of the beneficiaries, 82-year-old Esther Moffat, said the money will help her repair her house and feed her grandchildren for some days and called on well-wishers to assist in any way they can.

Chikwawa District Council, Director of Planning and Development, Jossen Tembo, commended the MRCS for responding to the plight of Cyclone Jude survivors in the district, saying the gesture complements government efforts in providing relief to households that are affected by natural disasters.

The director also appealed to beneficiaries to use the cash for good intentions in line with the MRCS's wishes.

The MRCS also responded the same way to survivors in Phalombe and Mulanje with financial assistance from Danish Red Cross. and International Federation of Red Cross, and Red Crescent Societies

Cyclone Jude came with heavy rainfall early March this year and caused flash floods in the low-lying areas of the Shire Valley, displacing over 2,000 households.