In the wake of devastating flash floods that swept through some parts of Nkhota-Kota (KK) like Dwangwa and Dwambazi, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in it’s wake, one institution stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience: the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) a social arm of the Catholic Church of Mzuzu Diocese.
With unwavering compassion and a commitment to serving their community, the church has emerged as a vital lifeline for 164,000 households affected by the disaster that hit the area, following heavy rains that started to fall around 10 PM of 28th February to 1st March 2024.
The displaced communities are from Traditional Authorities Malengachanzi, Kanyenda, Mphonde and Kafuzira.
69-year-old Constance Matekenya from Chiwe village in the Traditional Authority Kafuzira, which is one of the most affected areas in the district said in an interview that the damage is severe and all the crops she invested in have been washed away by the floods.
“Around midnight of 28th February, I just heard people shouting that we should leave our houses and relocate to safer places because the waters have swept away some neighboring villages.
Like in a movie, when the morning came the survivors noticed that all their crops had gone and had nowhere to start from’’, said Constance who is a widow.
Constance who has four children described the response by the Mzuzu Diocese as manna from heaven. She said the Diocese has eased some of her problems since she had nothing and nowhere to start from.
Just like all beneficiaries at St Mary Catholic Parish in the Dwangwa area, Constance received 30 kilograms of flour, plastic buckets, Cups, plates, 2 liters of cooking oil, among other things from relief items valued at K20 million supported by an Irish-based mission support institution called Misean Cara.
A Call to Action:
As floodwaters recede and the true extent of the damage becomes apparent, Group Village Headman Kamphambale of Dwambazi area in the district and Director of Social Services Father Austin Ndowera at the Mzuzu Diocese have both called for a more responsible approach to managing the environment.
It has become painfully clear that these floods are not merely isolated incidents but are symptomatic of the broader impact of climate change.
The once-fertile fields that supported the growth of crops like Cassava, Maize, Rice, and Sugarcane in Nkhota-Kota, a district nestled along the attractive shores of Lake Malawi, now lie barren and submerged beneath floodwaters.
Said the traditional leader: “It is a sad situation to note that people have destroyed the environment which is now fighting us back in a hard way. As chiefs, we are promoting reafforestation and discouraging deforestation more especially in the escapement that borders Nkhota-Kota Kota and Mzimba.”
The mountains are a source of rivers which include Dwangwa, and Nkhunga whose distributors are the Lake Malawi which is just a few kilometers away from Dwangwa and Dwambazi areas.
A Compassionate Response:
In the face of such adversity, the Catholic Church of Mzuzu Diocese has stepped up its efforts to provide critical support to those affected by the floods.
From food distribution and non-food support to emotional counseling, the church has worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of displaced families and individuals caught in the jaws of nature’s unrelenting fightback.
The Church through CADECOM has mobilized resources from Misean Cara to ensure that no one is left behind in their time of need.
“Our parish at Dwangwa notified us about the accident and as a church we thought it wise to immediately respond to the needs of the affected communities because a healthy and problem-free community is a recipe for the country’s development hence the intervention”, explained Father Ndowela.
But the church’s response goes beyond immediate relief efforts. Recognizing the urgent need for long-term solutions, the leaders of Mzuzu Diocese are advocating for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change and prevent future disasters.
They are working closely with local communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts.
By empowering communities to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, the church is helping to build resilience and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
Said Father Ndowela: “In all the parishes under the Mzuzu Diocese there are environmental programs aimed at reducing the impact of climate change, all parishes are encouraged to plant trees so that the land is not bare”
During the launch of the 2024 tree planting season, the Diocese under the theme: Growing together; Mission for a better tomorrow, Bishop John Ryan spearheaded the planting of 2000 and 10, 000 trees which are expected to be planted in different parishes this season.
A Message of Hope:
In the midst of tragedy and loss, the Catholic Church of Mzuzu Diocese offers a message of hope and solidarity. This complements the support which the government through the Nkhota Kota district council through various initiatives is making in response to natural disasters.
As stakeholders continue to support the people of Nkhota-Kota on their journey toward recovery and resilience, the church serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of faith, compassion, and community action in times of calamities.
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