Residents from the areas of Traditional Authority Kabudula, Chadza, Masula, Nsinde, and Chiwaula in Lilongwe, whose homes were recently damaged by a hailstorm, are appealing to the government and charitable individuals for help in acquiring various items to repair and maintain their residences.
One affected individual, Sosten Chasauka, shared with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) during an evaluation conducted by the District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC) on Friday that the hailstorm had resulted in the destruction of multiple houses, leading to the loss of essential possessions such as food, bedding, and kitchen equipment.
“We would like to ask government and well-wishers to assist us with foodstuffs, plastic sheets, kitchen items and blankets.
“I am afraid failure to renovate toilets now may result in the spreading of waterborne diseases such as cholera,” he said.
Lilongwe District Council Disaster Officer, Denia Banda, said it was sad the hailstorm affected 1, 382 households and five classroom blocks and eight teachers’ houses.
She further said the hailstorm also left 14 adults and 13 children with different degrees of injuries.
“The situation is quite disheartening and there is really need for timely assistance to the affected households as most of the affected households do not have foodstuffs and shelter now,” she said.
According to Lilongwe District Council Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Sophie Mthiko, the affected schools need immediate assistance saying she has already reported the incident to the Ministry of Education.
