Bishops in Malawi Provide Humanitarian Assistance to Hundreds after Tropical Storm Ana

Blantyre, 26 February, 2022 / 5:30 PM

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) have launched a program to reach out to at least 500 victims of the Tropical Storm Ana, which affected parts of the Southern African country. 

Tropical Ana reportedly formed over the Indian Ocean on January 22. It started moving westward, passing over the Northern region of Madagascar. The storm moved on to Mozambique and Malawi.

In a Monday, February 21 report, ECM officials say the Catholic Bishops launched the Moderate Tropical Flood Response in Chikwawa District, which is covered by the Catholic Diocese of Chikwawa, on February 17. 

“The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), launched the relief response targeting 573 households in the area,” they say in the report, adding that each beneficiary is expected to receive “two 10 kilograms of flour, one bucket, a packet of sugar, salt, blanket, two cups and one bottle of cooking oil.”

Chikwawa District was most affected by the tropical storm, the National Coordinator of the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) told ACI Africa on February 2. 

According to Ms. Chimwemwe Sakunda, at least 10,000 households in Chikwawa were seeking refuge at different camps following the storm. 

The CADECOM official added that it might take a whole for the lives of Malawians dwelling in the affected regions to return to normal.

In the February 21 report, the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Chikwawa says the people of God have lost property following the storm. 

"Houses have collapsed, farms destroyed and many more items," Bishop Peter Martin Musikuwa has been quoted as saying. 

He adds that pregnant women, lactating mothers, and the aged have been “most hit” by the effects of the Tropical Storm Ana. 

The Malawian Catholic Church leader says the donation extended to the people of Chikwawa “expressed as to what extent the Bishops were concerned with the development which has left many people hopeless.”

“Our support today demonstrate that we are with you and do not lose any hope,” Bishop Musikuwa says.

He urges the victims of the storm to use the donations they have received wisely saying, “This support will assist many to start a new life. Let's take care of it.”

On his part, the President of ECM, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, said the donations, which were contributed by Malawians show oneness of the citizens of the Southern African nation.

The Catholic Church advocates for togetherness without looking at one's religious affiliations in all circumstances, Archbishop Tambala said. 

He added, "What we present here are a few items representing more support that is coming in. It is my plea to the leadership of the two camps to apply honesty as you distribute the relief items.”