Vulnerable communities across Malawi are grappling with the aftermath of devastating heavy rains that have left a trail of destruction across the country in the last month.
Tens of thousands of people have been affected as continuous heavy rains throughout March have resulted in widespread flooding. One of the hardest hit regions is Chikwawa District in Southern Malawi where residents have experienced severe flooding, vital crops have been destroyed, and entire communities have been left isolated as a result of heavy damage to roads.
Schools have also been affected, with some forced to suspend classes as conditions worsen, interrupting vital education.
More than 200,000 people have been affected by the disaster. Thousands of displaced families are now sheltering in 31 temporary camps set up by the Malawi government.
“Communities in Chikwawa District have been severely impacted by the recent floods. Vulnerable households, already experiencing socio-economic hardships, have lost homes, agricultural assets, and personal belongings,” Gilicen Anthony, MEAL Officer & DRM Focal Person for Islamic Relief Malawi says.
“Numerous structures have collapsed, exacerbating displacement and shelter needs. The psychosocial impact is significant, and the prevailing uncertainty regarding the upcoming farming season is a real concern for the affected population.”
In a country where more than 4 million people are classed as food insecure, the destructive rains are heightening humanitarian risks in Malawi, with huge disruption to livelihoods and increased concerns over disease outbreaks.
“Nothing prepared us”
Claire Bedwell-Thomas, Global Programme Impact and MEAL Manager for Islamic Relief, saw the impact of the disaster firsthand.
“We saw the destruction long before we reached the river – floodwaters had torn through communities far beyond its banks. But nothing prepared us for what we found in the village itself.
“Homes had been completely wiped away, belongings scattered and lost, crops destroyed, and clean water sources contaminated.”
Malawi is a country that has suffered immensely in recent years; unpredictable rainfall and droughts have been made more impactful by the climate crisis.
Chikwawa District has been struck by multiple disasters in recent years, experiencing frequent cyclones and flooding since 2022 where Cyclone Anna caused the Shira River to burst its banks decimating entire villages.
“In Chikwawa, aid is scarce, yet the number of displaced households continues to grow. The community is being pushed beyond its limits,” Claire says.
The district has experienced so much destruction in recent years, some villages have requested government support to relocate away from Chikwawa, which has so far not happened.
“This isn’t a one-off disaster. It’s happening year after year, each time more severe than the last.”
Providing vital aid
Islamic Relief have been active in Malawi since 2006 and continues to support vulnerable communities through these climate disasters.
We are working with the Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and UN organisations present in the region to support communities struck by the floods.
Moving forward, we are looking to provide shelter items and food packages to survivors.
Help Islamic Relief respond to emergencies around the world by donating to our Global Emergencies Fund now.
