A large number of schools based in the flood-affected areas in Malawi have been closed. Some are being used as evacuation centers. Children are studying under trees after floods destroyed their classrooms. CGTN's Daniel Arapmoi has the latest from the Chikwawa district.  

Hundreds of children in Southern Malawi have seen their lives turned upside down by the devastating floods. School authorities have been compelled to organize classes and continue with academic work under trees. The situation has become unbearable for both teachers and pupils as torrential rains continue to disrupt academic exercise.

COLLINS TIZORA HEAD TEACHER "Most of the learners are not coming to school because rivers are flooded and they are unable to cross those rivers to come to school."

Some of the pupils studying under trees say academic exercise comes to a halt whenever it rains. Displaced parents remain uncertain about the future of their children as their hope for a quick recovery fades away.

"The problem is that many students lost books and learning materials such as rulers, pencils and many others."

"We ask the government to help us with shelter, we don't have food, we don't have blankets and our children are not able to go to school because they have nothing to wear."

Some have now opted to seek learning inside abandoned village church house over fears of possible return of the deadly flash floods. These Children have not only had their education dreams shattered, they have also lost their homes, schools, and even friends. In Mera Full Primary School, children lack the basics of education as condition forces them to sit on the cold classroom floor. According to officials, torrential rain and flash floods have displaced more than 200,000 children south of Malawi.

DANIEL ARAPMOI CHIKWAWA, MALAWI "The Department of Disaster Management Affairs says fifty-six people have died and five hundred and seventy-seven injured due to the heavy downpour and subsequent floods South of Malawi."

Forecasts predict the severe weather may continue in the coming days and weeks, intensifying the dangerous situation for thousands of children. For now, these little children need all the help they can get and they need it now. Daniel Arapmoi, CGTN, Chikwawa district, Malawi.