Heavy rains, floods claims 13 lives, affect 9,598 households in Malawi – DoDMA

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says torrential rains and severe flooding that hit Malawi between 15th and 18th March 2026, has claimed 13 lives and affected over 9,598 households.

According to a statement issued by the department, preliminary reports from 16 councils have revealed widespread destruction and 128 households have been displaced with 35 people injured. 

Twelve evacuation camps have been set up across six councils to provide shelter to those affected.

The hardest-hit districts include Chikwawa, where three deaths and two injuries were reported, and Machinga, with two fatalities and 18 injuries. 

Blantyre City recorded two deaths due to collapsing walls, while Mangochi saw two children perish attempting to cross a flooded river.

DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni stated that relief efforts are underway, with assistance being distributed to affected households. 

“DoDMA has begun distributing relief assistance to affected households. Councils are continuing detailed assessments to determine the full extent of damage and will submit comprehensive reports in due course,” reads part of the statement.

Affected areas include Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Dedza, Karonga, Lilongwe District, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Phalombe, Zomba City, and Zomba District.

Meanwhile, the department is appealing for support from development partners, NGOs, and the private sector to aid response efforts.