More than 163,000 people across Malawi have been affected by storm-related disasters this rainy season, underscoring the growing human cost of extreme weather and a widening funding shortfall in the national response.
In a statement signed by Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) said storms, floods, strong winds, and lightning have impacted 36,283 households in 29 councils since the 2025/26 rains began.
The disasters have claimed 40 lives and left 209 people injured, with lightning responsible for 57.5 percent of the deaths, while collapsing walls accounted for the remaining 42.5 percent, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in housing and public safety.
Nkhotakota District has been among the hardest hit, where flash floods in December displaced 2,132 households. Of the 14 evacuation camps established, 93 percent have now been decommissioned as families return home.
DoDMA said return packages including maize, beans, blankets, and plastic sheets have supported the transition, with only one camp still operational as of January 19, 2026.
To support recovery, the department has drawn up an emergency response plan for the Nkhotakota floods valued at K8.6 billion, but only K4.6 billion, about 53 percent, has been secured so far.
The government has now appealed to donors, UN agencies, the private sector, and faith groups to help close the remaining 47 percent funding gap, warning that delayed support could stall recovery and expose communities to further disaster risks.
