By Rahim Abdul
Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says more than 36,000 households across 29 local councils have been affected by extreme weather conditions since the onset of the 2025 rainy season.
According to a statement signed by DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni, heavy rains, strong winds and flooding have combined to cause widespread destruction, leaving thousands of families struggling to recover.
The department reports that at least 40 people have lost their lives as a result of the disasters. Of these deaths, 23 were caused by lightning strikes, while 17 resulted from collapsing structures.In addition, 209 people sustained various injuries.
DoDMA highlights flooding in Nkhotakota District in December last year as one of the major incidents. The floods affected 10,912 households, forcing 2,132 families to flee their homes and seek refuge in 14 temporary camps established in the district.
The situation has since improved, with the department confirming that by January 19 this year, 13 of the 14 camps in Nkhotakota had been closed as displaced families began returning to their homes.
To support affected communities, DoDMA says it is distributing relief items including maize, beans, blankets, plastic sheets, pails and salt to households resettling after the floods.
The department has also appealed to development partners, private companies and well wishers to provide additional assistance, warning that continued rains could worsen the humanitarian situation in some areas.
As the rainy season continues, authorities are urging communities to remain alert and follow safety guidance to reduce the risk of further loss of life and property.
