Zambia's Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit has successfully evacuated 54 flood victims from the Kamwala area of the Eastern Province, following flooding of the Lundazi River five days ago.

The affected individuals were stranded across the river, where they had been undertaking agricultural activities. 

They were unable to cross back to their permanent homes due to elevated water levels and washed-away bridges.

The evacuation exercise was conducted with support from the Zambia Air Force. 

The military aircraft made four trips to safely transport the victims and their personal belongings to a nearby school.

The floods have also left 127 households homeless after their houses collapsed due to the heavy rainfall experienced in recent days. 

The displaced households are currently camped at Kazembe Primary School.

Other affected families in nearby villages are being accommodated at temporary shelters.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has commenced the distribution of relief supplies to affected households. 

Preliminary assessments indicate that flooding originated upstream in Lundazi District, where critical infrastructure has been damaged.

Downstream, floods have resulted in the collapse of houses, destruction of crop fields, and extensive siltation, with farmlands buried under sand.

Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango joined the tour to assess the situation and prepare for future eventualities.