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 2022/23 rainfall season.
As of Thursday, 2nd February; 2023, disasters; mainly stormy rains, floods, strong winds, heavy rains, halistorms and lightning; have affected 27 councils namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe District, Machinga, Mangochi District, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Mzuzu City, Neno, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.
Cumulatively, 19,008 households (approximately 85,536 people), have been affected. The death toll has risen from 56 (as reported in our previous update dated 26th January, 2023) to 57; whereas the number of injuries is now at 176 from 145. As indicated earlier on, the disasters have also caused damage to crops, roads, schools and hospitals.
The department has also received fresh reports on flash floods from Chikwawa District Council. The brief report indicates that two camps have been set to accommodate displaced households.
Currently, the department has reached out to 15,150 households (approximately 68,175 people and representing 80 per cent of the total affected population) with relief assistance which include food and non-food items namely; maize, family tents, housing units, kitchen utensils and plastic sheets for temporary roofing. Provision of relief assistance is on-going and the department, in collaboration with various humanitarian partners, will reach out to all the affected people as per the reports from affected councils.
The general public will be duly informed regarding the status of disasters and any related developments.
For more information, please contact the 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..
Issued in Karonga on the 2nd Day of February, 2023
