Thousands displaced by Malawi flooding

LILONGWE, Malawi, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Malawi, in the grips of a severe drought, has been hit by flash flooding in its southern region, displacing more than 40,000 people.

The floods have washed away houses, livestock and crops of farming families in the lower Shire Valley, reports the BBC.

Some 5 million people in the southern African nation east of Zambia face food shortages caused by the worst drought in more than a decade, the report said.

Aid agencies say the floods have hampered relief efforts. The rising waters also have cut off communication with other villages in the area.

Weather experts said more rains are expected in the coming weeks.