Heavy rains and flooding threaten several district

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

● Authorities issue high-level weather alert

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has issued a warning over heavy rainfall expected across parts of Malawi from today, 29 December 2025, to 1 January 2026.

The department says the rains are likely to be intense and prolonged, raising the risk of flooding in several vulnerable areas of the country.

According to the forecast, the rains will be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds which may cause damage to homes, crops, and critical infrastructure.

Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota districts have been placed under a Category 10 alert, indicating a high risk of severe flooding.

Karonga, Mzimba, Mzuzu, Likoma, and Kasungu districts have also been affected, with alerts ranging between Category 6 and Category 2.

Meteorologists attribute the prevailing weather conditions to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has settled over Malawi’s Northern Region.

Authorities have urged members of the public, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant during the forecast period.

The public has been advised to avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams and to strictly follow guidance from disaster management officials.

The warning comes amid reports of loss of life and injuries linked to the ongoing rains experienced between 22 and 28 December this year.

Three people have reportedly died, while 41 others sustained injuries after walls collapsed due to persistent rainfall.

Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Wilson Mollen, confirmed the deaths and injuries in a statement.

Mollen further disclosed that approximately 32,422 people have been affected by the rains across the country.

He said a total of 13 councils have so far recorded varying degrees of damage caused by the adverse weather.

The affected councils include Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Lilongwe City, and Lilongwe District.

Other impacted areas are Mulanje, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, and Salima districts.

DoDMA has indicated that it is currently providing relief assistance to affected households.

The assistance includes both food and non-food items such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary shelter.

The department also reported that local search and rescue operations are underway in Nsanje and Nkhotakota districts.

In addition, DoDMA has made standby arrangements for the possible deployment of a national search and rescue team.

The team will comprise personnel from the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Marine Department, and the Malawi Red Cross Society to respond to any emergencies that may arise.