Nkhotakota worst hit
* Cumulatively, 35,758 households (approximately 160,011 people) have been affected in 29 districts with Nkhotakota District topping the list after registering 10,772 affected households, 11 deaths, 37 injuries and 2 missing persons
* In addition, Nkhotakota District Council is hosting 2,132 (approximately 9,594 people) displaced households in 12 camps
By Duncan Mlanjira
In its update on the status of disasters and the looming threat of flash floods in the 2025/26 rainfall season, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) reports that since the onset of the rainy season to date, disasters, mainly stormy rains, strong winds, flash floods and lightning have affected 29 district councils.
Advertisement
They are Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe District, Likoma, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mzimba, Neno, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba City, and Zomba.
Cumulatively, 35,758 households (approximately 160,011 people) have been affected since September 1, 2025 and that 36 deaths recorded that include 168 injuries and two missing persons. “Nkhotakota District, which tops the list of affected councils, has registered 10,772 affected households, 11 deaths, 37 injuries and 2 missing persons.
“In addition, the council is hosting 2,132 (approximately 9,594 people) displaced households in 12 camps,” says the statement DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni Wilson Moleni adding that DoDMA is reaching out to the affected with food and non-food items.
“Provision of relief assistance is on-going and the department will reach out to all the affected people as per verified reports from affected councils.
“Furthermore, local search and recovery operations are still being conducted in Nkhotakota District.”
DoDMA further reports that weather forecasts by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) indicate threats of flash floods in Nkhotakota, Salima, Mzimba, Kasungu, Nkhata Bay, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Mzuzu, Likoma, Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba and Balaka.
“In view of this, DoDMA is working with the DCCMS, councils and various partners in disseminating early warning messages. Councils at risk are advised to move communities to nearby evacuation centres.
“In addition, the national search and rescue (SAR) team is on high alert. The department has also made standby arrangements for the deployment of members of the SAR team to councils at risk.”
DoDMA concludes by saying councils are further advised to immediately alert the department in the event of any emergencies.
Advertisement