Massive Rescue Operation Ongoing in Malawi After Flooding Kills Over 176

Over 176 people killed and at least 200,000 left homeless amid severe flooding in Malawi.

MOSCOW, January 17 (Sputnik) — Weeks of heavy rain resulted in massive flooding in Malawi, leaving over 176 people dead and around 153 unaccounted for, the Guardian reports with reference to the Malawian Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima.

"It's a very bad situation," the newspaper cited Chilima saying at a press conference in Malawi's city of Blantyre.

At least 200,000 are left homeless, roads and bridges have been washed away by the torrent, cutting off some of the worst-hit areas in the southern parts of the country, with thousands of schools and homes destroyed. Hundreds of hectares of crops stand submerged under the murky water and devastating numbers of livestock killed.

Temporary tent-villages have been set up for the displaced, while police and the army begin a joint operation to rescue villagers trapped by the churning waters.

The rescue teams have so far saved over 820 victims, according to a US-based Malawian online newspaper the Maravi Post. However, the vice president called for additional support.

"But we still need more assistance. For example, we require some 3,777 tents to accommodate the displaced people," Chilima said as cited by the Maravi Post.

The vice president also stressed that the government of Malawi is working on ways of resolving the catastrophe and preventing any such situations in the future.

"The rains will continue coming for the next two of so months, do not think of going back to where you got washed away after the waters recede. You need to relocate after these rescue operations," the Maravi Post cited Chilima as saying.