UNDP Malawi Programme Analyst for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Sothini Nyirenda has told Zodiak that the organisation is hopeful that this will strengthen coordination in providing necessary support to people.

“Floods continue to pose serious threats to life and property. There is need to build the capacity of key sectors to improve weather information and early warning to disaster prone communities.

“We also plan to establish a Humanitarian Response Plan that will ensure strong disaster recovery activities,” said Nyirenda.

Nyirenda thinks the Inclusive Recovery Project and Promoting Sustainable Partnerships for Empowered Resilience, PROSPER that were implemented after 2019 cyclone Idai, have significantly assisted to protect people during this year’s cyclone Ana.

The UNDP program analyst added that through the initiatives, they managed to construct some flood resilient markets, 200 houses and 10 evacuation centres in Phalombe and Zomba.

A villager, Agnes Gwembere a mother of one child and Group Village Headman Ng’anjo of Traditional Authority Jenala in Phalombe say the evacuation centre that UNDP constructed in the area has saved their lives from this year tropical cyclone Ana.

“When the floods occurred this year, I quickly carried my baby and rushed to the evacuation centre. We were saved and we still remain safe as we continue staying here,” said Gwembere.

DODMA Commissioner Charles Kalemba is optimistic that the humanitarian Response Plan will be ready by Thursday this week which will assist to bring life back after the catastrophic cyclone Ana.

The recent cyclone Ana killed 32 people, 20 others missing, 147 injured and close to 100, 000 displaced, hitting hard the district of Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje, Phalombe, Zomba, Mangochi and other parts of Malawi.