Maseru, May 10 — The Government through the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has started distributing food parcels, mattresses and blankets to households affected by the flash floods experienced earlier this week.
The relief packages also include household utensils such as washing basins, knives, spoons, pots as well as toiletries.
Distribution of the aid began with 24 households from severely affected areas including Borokhoaneng, Motimposo, Ha-‘Nelese, Lifelekoaneng, Majoe-a-Lits’oene, Ha-Leqele, Ha-Hlalele, Ha-Rankhelepe, Ha-Ramorakane and Rothe, which were identified as critically affected.
The floods have disrupted daily activities, including education, as some children are unable to attend school due to damaged bridges and washed-away crossing points.
Speaking in an interview, one of the victims, Kefuoehape Nketle, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided. He, however, appealed for further support to rebuild his house, saying he is currently staying at a neighbour’s home after his own was damaged by the floods.
The recent flooding has once again highlighted Lesotho’s vulnerability to climate change, with floods and storms accounting for more than 90 per cent of the average annual hazard occurrences in the country.
Other affected areas include Koalabata, Ha-Ts’osane, Ha-Makhalanyane, Qoaling, Masite, Ha-Toloane, Ha-Moruthane and Moshoeshoe II.
According to rapid assessment findings, about 100 households were identified as the most affected by the floods.
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