Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers are now leading the ongoing rescue operation in Nkhotakota where about 201 people are still trapped by water around Dwangwa in the district.
Details from the district council indicate that the soldiers are using their own boats in the rescue efforts despite growing calls for helicopters to be flown in.
A total of 6 145 people have been affected, according to figures released by authorities. Of these, 4 985 are from Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanyenda while 957 people are from T/A Mphonde and 67 from T/A Malenga.
Emergency camps are currently sheltering over 6 000 people.
“A guard from Victoria lodge is confirmed dead when a rescue canoe capsised. Roads are breaking in many areas and this is a huge challenge to rescue and relief items distribution,” said the district information officer Wongani Mkandawire.
He said more financial support is needed for rescue boats’ logistics. Mkandawire has also appealed for more supplies including food, medical supplies and beddings.
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