LILONGWE, April 30 -- Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday launched a 446.74-million-U.S.-dollar appeal to address the challenges faced by 9 million people due to the prolonged dry spell and flooding caused by El Nino weather conditions across the country.

The Malawian leader presented the appeal at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the country's capital, before heads of mission, the international community, and government officials.

Chakwera, who recently declared a state of disaster in 23 out of the country's 28 districts, said only 21.6 million dollars of the total required sum have been mobilized, leaving a huge funding gap.

The required funds are aimed at mobilizing resources to boost food production and improve national food stocks, as well as address the life-saving needs of the affected population from April 2024 to March 2025, according to the president.

The Malawian president thanked all foreign governments, United Nations agencies, development partners, organizations, and individuals "of goodwill" who have so far provided and pledged support for the El Nino response, and appealed for increased assistance to support the implementation of prioritized interventions.

  - Xinhua