Heavy rains have destroyed numerous houses and left a number of people and their families homeless in Mangochi district.

According to Chief Divala, villages such as Msembe, Songa 1 and Ng’ambani were the most affected.

“At the moment the counting is in progress, but in Msembe and Songa areas, 27 houses have collapsed,” said Divala.

District Commissioner for Mangochi, Smart Gwedemula, said his office is investigating the reports.