1. Brief description of the emergency and impact

The 2012/2013 rainfall seasonal forecast for Southern Africa and Malawi specifically predicted normal to above normal rainfall for all the zones of Malawi. The first heavy rains fell in the last week of October, 2012 resulting into flash floods in some areas of the country. Subsequent heavy rains fell in early January and persisted for over a week, resulting into floods in various locations of the country. In some cases, rains were accompanied by heavy wind storms. Phalombe, Mangochi, Thyolo, Dedza, Zomba, Salima are some of the districts affected.

1. Why is an ACT response needed?

Phalombe

ACT response is needed immediately as lives of more than 8,260 people are in danger. The affected people have no food, shelter, extra clothing, kitchen utensils and sanitary materials which are very crucial for their survival. A rapid response will save lives of the affected population by providing the essential basic needs for their survival in the emergency situation.

Mulanje

There is a great need of emergence response (food, utensils, chlorine, tents and mosquito nets) to the area (victims) as swiftly as possible to save lives affected and those at risk. Malnutrition will rise due to lack of emergency food and damage of crops (maize, pineapples, sugar canes and cassava). Utensils and beddings have been swept away; this will expose the victims to contagious diseases e.g: cholera and malaria cases especially to under-five children and pregnant women.

Thyolo

Thyolo district assembly is in dire need of food stuffs, kitchen utensils, beddings, plastic sheets for roofing to support the affected people. As a council, Thyolo also need support of strong 4x4 vehicles, fuel and meals for staff to assess the situation in the 2 affected areas. As of now the council has sent no assistance to the area. No NGO has assisted the affected people. Thyolo has a trained civil protection committees at district and area level able to report emergencies and do early warnings, however they are resource constrained without stocks to help the affected people.