By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, April 13, Mana: Heavy rains that started in the wee hours of Friday have caused flash floods at Chintheche in Nkhata Bay, disrupting businesses and health service delivery at Chintheche Rural Hospital.

Confirming the development, Senior Health Promotion Officer for Nkhata Bay District Health Office, Christopher Singini, said service delivery was affected at Chintheche Rural Hospital as water had gushed the facility’s wards.

Singini said flood waters found their way into the wards due to blockage of a drain on the upper side of the facility. 

“Equipment has not been damaged, however there are fears of disease infections due to contaminated water that gushed the hospital wards,” he said.

Senior Chief Malanda said the flash floods had rendered some families in the area homeless and feared for the worst as the downpour was continuing at the time of the interview.

He said businesses were also seriously affected, including at the only filling station in the area, where operations were brought to a halt because water had flooded its premises.  

“More damage will likely follow because water levels in most rivers are very high,” he said.

Councilor for Chintheche Ward, Spencer Khuni, said there was need for urgent help to the families whose houses were damaged.

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nkhata Bay, Rachel Kamanga, said her office was aware of the situation, saying they were working hand in hand with local leaders to come up with final assessment report and map way forward.