Heavy rains destroyed the maize fields of at least 500 families in Kazungula, Southern province.

Affected farmers now also fear the outbreak of diseases might decimate their livestock.

According to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), government would soon dispatch relief food to aid affected families.

“It is very sad. The situation is very bad. And the disaster management and mitigation unit (DMMU) is moving in as soon as possible to help the victims,” said Kampampa Mulenga, minister of information and broadcasting services.

Mulenga, who is also chief government spokesperson, said floods affected 514 families in Sikaunzwe and Kasaya villages in Kazungula district.

She said affected families also lost property, in addition to their maize crops being wiped away by floods.

“Plans are already underway to send food, bedding, tents and other logistics to alleviate the suffering of the affected families,” Mulenga said.

Meanwhile Kazungula district commissioner Pascalina Musokotwane said her council was overwhelmed and needed the help of central government.

“We managed to take tents to some flooded areas where water levels allowed us to gain access,” she said