Death toll from floods in Malawi triples to 176

Malawi's vice president says the death toll from flooding has more than tripled with 176 dead and at least 200,000 displaced.
Vice President Saulos Chilima said today that dozens more people are missing, with at least 153 missing in the worst affected southern parts of the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre, Chilima said a joint operation between the police and the army was underway to rescue hundreds who were trapped in their villages by flood waters.
Malawi's President Peter Mutharika declared 15 of the country's 28 districts disaster areas.
Chilima has asked for international assistance.