Speaking at Chingale Primary School in Zomba on Wednesday, Chilima said it is high time people should respect the environment by safeguarding it saying issues like cutting down of trees are the ones fueling many disasters because the speed of water cannot be controlled hence posing threat to lives.

The Vice President therefore emphasised on the need for the country to aggressively restore the environment by among others planting more trees that in turn can control both running water and heavy winds.

“We have done so many injustices to our nature and no wonder it has started to fight us back. What is required at the moment is to join hands and start restoring our environment,” Chilima said.

Apart from afforestation, the Vice President also emphasised on the need to provide proper waterways for rivers to avoid unnecessary flooding.

“It is about time we dredged our rivers and used the sand to make cement blocks. This will improve flow of water and at the same time allow people to construct strong houses by using the cement blocks,” He said.

The Vice President said he was saddened with the extent of damage the cyclone has caused to Malawians and the country at large saying it is a regrettable situation.

He assured the victims that the government would do all it can to help those affected.

District Commissioner Reignard Chavula said over 126,000 people were affected in the district.

Chavula said so far, 56 camps have been established.

Apart from fallen houses, the DC said many crop fields were damaged and livestock lost.

Member of Parliament for Chingale Constituency Loney Chijere Chirwa hailed the Vice President for visiting the survivors and offering them hope.

During the tour, the Vice President also visited some collapsed houses, damaged bridges and flooded rivers.

(By By Solister Mogha, Malawi News Agency)