By Augustus Nkhwazi, Dhumisan Khumalo

Mzuzu, April 3, Mana: Preliminary assessment by Mzuzu City Council has revealed that over 500 households were affected by heavy downpour that fell early this week in the city.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu City Council, McDonald Gondwe, said the affected areas include; Mchengautuba East, Chibavi West, Chibavi East, Chiwanja and Chiputula wards.

According to Gondwe, most of the affected households experienced run-offs, with one household completely damaged in Chibanja, while another house had its roof partly blown off in Chiputula.

"Majority of those affected need urgent support in areas of food items, beddings and kitchen utensils," said Gondwe.

He added that the council was set to submit the preliminary assessment report to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) for necessary action.

“Most of the affected households are those living along water ways, which makes them prone to disasters. The Council however reminds those staying in such places to relocate to safer places,” he said.

Last week the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a statement highlighting heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms mainly over the North due to Equatorial Rain Belt.