A statement from the State House Press Office says that the First Couple is praying for families that have lost their loved ones in the tragic incident and is wishing all survivors and those traumatized a quick recovery.

The President further commends the Malawi Defence Force - MDF, the Malawi Police Service and the community in Rumphi for their tireless efforts to save lives after the incident.

Meanwhile, the President is assuring all those affected that government agencies will continue, within their means to search for those still missing and assist those affected.

Currently, about 20 bodies are still missing and MDF has beefed up its search team so that either more lives could be rescued or bodies coulb be recovered.