The Malawi government has offered to pay funeral and hospital expenses for all victims of the Rumphi boat accident that left five people dead and several others missing on Lake Malawi on Sunday.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs Director Paul Kalilombe said this in a statement made available to faceofmalawi.

According to Kalilombe, members of the bereaved families will receive K100 thousand and transport expenses whilst those in hospital will receive K50 thousand kwacha each.

“Government undertakes to provide assistance towards the cost of the funeral arrangements of the victims of the accident and hospital bills of those who are receiving medical attention in hospital following this misfortune.

“The public and well-meaning organizations are advised to contact the Government Officers for more updates regarding the boat accident and for any humanitarian assistance they wish to offer,” he said.

Fifty-four people survived the accident after being rescued by people from sorrounding communities, while some swam back to the shore.

Five people have been confirmed dead, while 20 people are reported to be missing by their relatives, according to Kalilombe.