Widespread rains accompanied by localized heavy showers are affecting the South African countries of Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique. Cumulative heavy rainfalls are being recorded especially in the Shire river basin, which will further worsen the flood situation in the districts of Nsange and Chikwawa. Continuous rain in these districts for last one week has left many homeless. The threat of the flood remains very high in Phalombe, Mangochi, Salima, Nkhata Bay and Karonga. The situation is getting worse by the day, as the resources coming in the form of humanitarian aids are unable to meet current needs of displaced people. The threat of deluge and further floods raises a critical alarm which needs to be addressed by a scaled up effort and response, which is badly needed to provide succor to grieving people.
An estimated 6,38,000 people are affected in the region. The floods have ravaged 15 districts, out of which three districts were worst affected, where 1,74,000 people have been displaced. All in all 79 deaths have been reported so far and 153 people are still missing. Around 63,976 hectares of land is under deluge. The region is still facing a number of challenges at the displacement sites which include proper shelters, rations and other supplies along with water sanitation and hygiene requirements. Security concerns also persist due to congested mixed gender shelter homes set up at some places with inadequate lighting. With not so hygienic living conditions, improper sanitation and stagnant water in the proximity of shelter homes, a grave risk of epidemic diseases like Cholera and Malaria persist.
The forecast for the next few days is not very inspiring either as further rains are forecast in the region, making relief and rescue efforts even more difficult.
