Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
28-02-2024
What happened, where and when?
Since the onset of the 2023/2024 rainy season, Malawi experienced multiple episodes of flooding, both fluvial and pluvial, particularly in the southern and central regions. On February 26 and 27, 2024, heavy rains hit the central and northern regions, triggering severe flooding. This resulted in extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, and crops, as well as the loss of food and non-food items. The flooding also led to widespread displacement, particularly in the districts of Karonga, Nkhotakota, Lilongwe, and Kasungu. In some areas, houses were submerged, while others were completely destroyed or severely damaged. Because the flooding occurred during the day, many families were separated, as people were in their fields and unable to return home.
The initial assessment by the district councils conducted in February 2024 revealed that over 12,000 people were affected. However, the joint assessment conducted by DoDMA and partners including MRCS in March revealed that over 26,000 people were affected in all the 4 districts with 15,000 people displaced in Nkhotakota and Karonga districts. The assessments confirmed that all four districts experienced heavy rains that damaged critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and houses, making it difficult for affected communities to access essential services. Housing damage was more severe in Karonga and Nkhotakota compared to Lilongwe and Kasungu. Consequently, the IFRC-DREF allocation to Malawi RC supported the assistance in Lilongwe and Kasungu focusing on livelihoods support, while shelter reconstruction interventions were prioritized in the more severely affected districts of Karonga and Nkhotakota.