Malawi floods: 13 people die as heavy rains continue

At least 13 people have lost their lives due to severe rainfall and flooding that impacted various regions of the country from March 15 to 18, 2026.

In a statement issued by Wilson Moleni, the Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) reported that 9,598 households have been affected, with 128 individuals displaced and 35 injuries documented thus far.

DoDMA has commenced the distribution of relief aid to the households impacted. Local councils are conducting thorough assessments to ascertain the complete extent of the damage and will provide detailed reports in due time.

In the meantime, the department is urging development partners, both local and international non-governmental organizations, as well as the private sector, to assist in the ongoing response efforts by supplying relief items, financial support, technical aid, and search and rescue operations in the areas affected.

Preliminary reports have been received from 16 councils, which include Blantyre City and District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Dedza, Karonga, Lilongwe District, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Phalombe, and Zomba City and District.