The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), in the Office of the President and Cabinet, would like to update the general public on the status of disasters and response operations in the 2024/25 rainfall season.

Since the onset of the rainy season to date, (Wednesday, 5th March, 2025) the total number of households affected by recurrent disasters; mainly stormy rains, hailstorms, strong winds, heavy rains, floods and lightning has increased from 35, 661 (as reported in our previous update dated 7th February, 2025) to 40,178 (approximately 180,801 people). Out of the total number of affected households, 809 have been displaced.

The total number of deaths has also increased from 35 to 39. Out of the total number of recorded deaths, 26 have been caused by lightning strikes while 13 are a result of damaged walls and roofs. The recent recorded deaths include two 3-month-old babies who were struck by lightning in Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay District. The total number of injuries is now at 483 from 469; with the majority caused by lightning and damaged walls and roofs.

So far, the department has reached out to over 80 per cent of the total number of affected households with food and non-food items, which include maize, beans, blankets, pails and plastic sheets for temporary roofing. The provision of relief assistance is on-going .

The general public will be duly informed regarding the status of disasters and any related developments.

For more information, please contact the Principal Information Management and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chipiliro Raymond Khamula, on +265 (0) 999 043 228, (0) 884 572 844 E-mail; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services , there is a 40% chance that the Tropical Depression that has developed in the Indian Ocean will trigger heavy rains in the Southern Region, from Monday, 10th March, 2025.