The huge rains and the floods in Malawi have put the country in a very bad situation. More than 200 people lost their lives and  40.000 families are homeless.

In a letter, fr. Ernest Kafunsa, young malawian parish priest in Blantyre, gives us an update of the situation:

“Two days ago, with some friends of the Community of Sant’Egidio, I visited some villages in the southern part of Malawi, the most affected by the recent floods. Many people are living in camps; they seem like refugees in their own land. The most affected districts  are: Msanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Mangochi, Phalombe, Mulanje and some areas around the country. We know that some of the people who are still lost, might be drowned in the Shire river or in the waters which suddenly flooded many villages. People tried to find some shelter and rescue climbing hills or trees".

"The heavy rains have caused continuous blackouts, and many cities are left without portable water. For example in Blantyre it’s now one week without water: people are waiting for rainfall to have water. It’s sad that many families are fetching water from the town drainage which are not even secure and not healthy. There is even fear that we might have Cholera outbreak.
The damages are still being counted. But as of now many of the affected families have taken refuge in primary schools affecting the education system of the children. We do not know until when these schools shall be occupied. Since fears are there that these heavy rains may continue. In Nsanje the local school has collapsed and it also happened in other villages. In many villages there is no electricity. The road to Fatima and Masenjere is interrupted, cars can’t go through and the government is bringing some aid by helicopter and aircraft".

"The elderly are also most vulnerable to this season, since most of them live in simple houses that are easily been brought down by these heavy rains and winds. In Blantyre nine elderly people, regularly looked after by the Community of Sant’Egidio, has lost their homes while two more had the house severely damaged.
Some organizations are trying to come to the rescue of the people, but still a question remains: after this rainfall where will the people go to stay? They have lost their homes, their belongings, their farms are gone. The Community of Sant’Egidio wishes to help not only for the need of today but to give a response for some families in helping them to re-establish themselves in the society. I am deeply grateful to the Community for what she is doing for Malawi and for the victims of the floods".

The Community of Sant'Egidio opened a subscription to send aid