Over 1,200 flood victims rescued in Malawi as operation continues

Over 1,200 flood victims were rescued in Malawi's worst-hit districts of Chikhwawa and Nsanje on Wednesday and Thursday, Paul Chiunguzeni, principal secretary for Department of Disaster Management Affairs, disclosed to local media Thursday.

The official said rescue operations are underway and that the Malawi Defence Force are using boats and helicopters to rescue people stranded in places hard to reach.

Meanwhile, two camps have been established in Nsanje to offer shelter and relief supplies to victims.

There are fears that a whole village was washed away in Chikhwawa district. The death toll has surpassed 50 and many people are reported missing.

Thursday morning Esther Mcheka Chilenje, deputy speaker for Malawi Parliament, told local media that people in one village were stranded on an island since Monday with no supplies.

"Boats and helicopters were sent to rescue them and my prayer is that they will all be found alive," said Chilenje.

Over 15 districts are affected by the floods and President Peter Mutharika Tuesday declared state of disaster and called for humanitarian support for people affected.

Meanwhile, organizations such as the Red Cross, WFP, UNFPA, Word Vision and UNDP are responding to Mutharika's call.

President Matharika is scheduled to visit the two stricken districts on Friday. Endi