Summary of Disasters Following Incessant Rains

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) reports that between 22nd and 30th December 2025, Malawi experienced widespread disasters following incessant rains, which affected a total of 9,143 households across the country. During this period, 101 people were injured, 4 lives were lost, and 354 people were successfully rescued, while no persons were reported missing. This shows that although the impacts were serious, emergency response and rescue efforts helped prevent further loss of life.

The majority of the affected households were impacted by stormy rains, which accounted for 8,191 households, making it the most significant hazard during this period. Heavy rains affected 521 households, while flooding impacted 426 households. Overall, rainfall-related hazards were the main drivers of destruction, with stormy conditions causing the greatest damage to homes and livelihoods.

In terms of geographic distribution, the Southern Region was the most affected. Nsanje District recorded the highest number of affected households at 2,549, followed by Chikwawa with 1,913. Other heavily affected districts included Karonga (1,031), Dedza (711), Chiradzulu (597), and Blantyre (516). Moderate impacts were reported in Dowa, Nkhotakota, Likoma, Lilongwe, and Mulanje, while lower numbers were recorded in Zomba City, Kasungu, Lilongwe City, Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, and Salima. The spatial pattern confirms that flood- and storm-prone areas, especially in southern Malawi, remain highly vulnerable to extreme rainfall events.

Overall, the information highlights the continued exposure of communities to climate-related disasters in Malawi and underscores the importance of strengthening early warning systems, community preparedness, and disaster risk reduction measures, particularly in districts that are repeatedly affected by heavy and stormy rains.