48 dead, 100,000 homeless after massive flood

Massive flooding in Malawi, one of the world's poorest countries, has left 48 people dead and about a 100,000 homeless, according to reports.

The flood, worsened by torrential rains, has also caused extensive damage to livestock and crops in a country where most citizens are reliant on subsistence farming.

President Peter Mutharika has declared a state of emergency in 15 of the country’s 28 districts which were severely affected by the floods.

Mutharika also appealed to the international community for aid in the form of food relief and support for search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile the country’s military has deployed helicopters and boats to rescue stranded victims but the bad weather continues to hamper rescue attempts.

Malawi's Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned that the heavy rainfall and flash floods are likely to continue for the next two to three weeks.