About 50 Tropical Storm Ana surviving families from Kwilinde village under Traditional Authority Sitola in Machinga say they feel neglected as they are battling hunger.

Three family members have drowned in Namandanje River which they attempted to cross in the area of group village headman Mwikala under Senior Chief Liwonde in Machinga.

Police say Machinga district has recorded an increase in murder and defilement cases over the past 6 months compared to same period last year.

Some hunger stricken families in Machinga have called for more food support, saying the hunger situation is now going out of hand as some people are reportedly fainting of hunger in the area.

Early marriages are said to be fueling abuses against children and young women in Machinga.