A heavy rainstorm in the areas of Paramount Chief Kyungu, Traditional Authorities Kilupula and Wasambo in Karonga have destroyed 11 hectares of maize field, injured 24 people ad leaving 485 households homeless.

District Commissioner for Karonga, Rodrick Mateuma said some victims are staying with their relatives while other are seeking shelter in churches.

He added that the council has already reported the issue to Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and other development partners asking for relief assistance.

According to Traditional Authority Kilupula, a total of 249 households with a total population of 1249 people have been affected in his area.

Karonga is experiencing more flash floods following heavy rains that have been falling since early hours of Thursday.

Officials from the district council are on the ground to establish the extent of damage.