Seven members of the same family in Machinga are severely ill after eating nsima made from maize flour suspected to have been contaminated with insecticide.

According to Senior Chief Mtumbwinda, the affected individuals began vomiting, experiencing diarrhoea, and weakness shortly after consuming the meal.

Good Samaritans provided some assistance, but one child had to be rushed to the hospital for proper medical attention.

Chief Mtumbwinda further noted that the area has been severely hit by hunger, forcing people to eat a variety of alternative foods, including groundnuts.

The famine has worsened to the extent that local leaders are expressing concerns over the delayed distribution of maize by the government. Moreover, the quantity of maize allocated to the area has been reduced, leaving many in a desperate situation.

This incident highlights the ongoing food crisis affecting many rural areas, where erratic weather and insufficient government assistance have led to acute food shortages.

The family hails from Mpamela village, under Senior Chief Mtumbwinda in the District.