UN to help flood victims

The UN has promised to ramp up its support to flood-hit Malawian communities desperate for safe water, food, medicine and other basic necessities.

At least 238 people have died and many have been reported missing as a result of continuing flooding.

According to the Malawian Department of Disaster Management Affairs, 238 people had been killed and 153 reported missing by Wednesday.

UN coordinator Mia Seppo said: "The UN [is] ready to work with Malawi and development partners in support of the country's recovery from the floods."

Earlier this week, Malawi's high commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau, reportedly said heavy rains and flooding over the past few weeks had destroyed more than 400 schools and had caused severe damage to infrastructure.

An estimated 63531ha of land have been submerged by flood waters and about 120000 farmers countrywide have been affected.

In Mozambique, the government reported 49 confirmed deaths.