By JAMES KUNDA? –
DEPUTY Minister in the office of the Vice-President Stephen Kampyongo has called for swift action by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in responding to incidents in disaster prone areas.

. Kampyongo

Mr Kampyongo said DMMU should strengthen satellite community and disaster management committees at all levels to ensure prompt response in dealing with natural disasters.
He said in an interview yesterday some parts of the country were prone to crop failure after receiving above normal rainfall or droughts after lower-than-expected rainfall, hence the need for the unit to be proactive in response.
“In the past, we have had incidences where people have not received relief aid after a disaster due to the weak linkage between the community and the district management committee.
“Efforts in this regard must be stepped up to ensure efficiency in helping those affected by natural disasters,” he said.
Meanwhile, DMMU head of information management systems Anderson Banda has said the country has not recorded any major case of flooding this year.
Mr Banda, however, said the Meteorological Department indicated that the country was expected to record increased rainfall patterns in the coming few days.
“So far, we have not recorded any major flood. The Meteorological Department has, however, indicated an increase in rainfall patterns over the coming few days, for which we are adequately prepared should a disaster occur,” he said.
Based on seasonal forecast by the Meteorological Department, DMMU estimates which areas are expected to receive below-normal, normal and above-normal rainfall.?Preliminary estimates for the 2014-2015 rainy season indicated that 36 districts countrywide would experience flooding.