62 Dead, 153 Missing, 20,000 Rescued; Kasaila Reports in Parliament

62 Dead, 153 Missing, 20,000 Rescued; Kasaila Reports in Parliament

The Leader of Malawi National Assembly Honorable Francis Lazaro Kasaila said floods that have hit the country from the onset of the first rains during rainy season for this year have claimed 62 lives and 153 still missing.

Kasaila was addressing the House on Monday as the Members of Parliament were beginning the first sitting for the 3rd Meeting (Budget Review) of 45th Session.

He said search for the missing persons is underway and currently 20,000 victims were rescued. He mentioned that the South African government has brought in two helicopters for the task of distribution of food and other humanitarian assistance and added that World Bank will assist Malawi government with US$600,000 towards the replanting of lost crops destroyed by the floods.

Commenting on the statement, Leader of Opposition Dr. Lazarus Chakwera President for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) thanked government for being quick in its response when the disaster hit 15 districts. He also appreciated humanitarian assistance coming from all organizations responding to government calls and other calls being made by other International organizations.

People’s Party (PP) Leader in the house Hon Uladi Musa also thanked government for ensuring that flood victims from all areas and districts are being reached out with much needed humanitarian assistance.

And United Democratic Front (UDF) Leader in the House Hon Lucius Banda also appreciated government and all other institutions and individuals that are supporting the victims and expressed his heartfelt condolences to those that lost their lives.

After leaders of the political parties, Members of Parliament also took to the floor commenting on the statement made by the Leader of House and urged government and all well-wishers to continue support the flood victims.