MALAWI DECLARES STATE OF DISASTER FOLLOWING PROLONGED DRY SPELLS-INDUCED FOOD INSECURITY

State President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared state of disaster in eleven districts of the country following prolonged dry spells-induced food insecurity. The declaration is in line with section 37 (1) of the Disaster Risk Management Act (2023).

In a press statement dated 25th October, 2025 and signed by Chief Secretary to Government Dr. Justin Saidi, Mutharika has declared state of disaster in Blantyre, Chikwawa, Lilongwe, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Phalombe, Salima and Thyolo.

The statement further appeals for local and international support to families affected by the food insecurity situation.

“Accordingly, government is facilitating provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected districts and intensify irrigation farming and is therefore, appealing for local and international support for the affected families and the irrigation initiatives as well as other interventions to address the situation,” reads part of the statement.

Recently, the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee released a report which stated that over four million people will be food insecure for during the 2025/26 lean period (October 2025 to March 2026).