Month: February 2022

In response to Cyclone Ana, DoDMA activated and deployed the search and rescue team to Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje and Phalombe districts where boats were dispatched to conduct search and rescue operations in the areas that were cut-off.

The Department has also set up an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at Blantyre District Council offices where government officers and partners are operating from as they respond to tropical storm Ana. Transportation of relief supplies and humanitarian workers to the affected areas especially in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts has been a challenge due to the cut-off of M1 road between Blantyre and Nsanje districts. Currently, there is no movement of vehicles to and from Blantyre-chikwawa and Nsanje. The lack of organized camps, the disruption of social services, the loss of electricity, and the absence of proper disaggregated data have also hindered the provision of relief to those in need. Despite the ongoing response, food and shelter needs continue to be the most pressing needs as the current supply of relief items proves to be insufficient.

Source: Government of Malawi

THE death toll from Tropical Storm Ana in Malawi has risen to 20.

Over 400 000 people have been left stranded after their homes were destroyed or damaged by floods which swept through the south of the country.

The scale of the storm’s impact is expected to rise in the coming days as relief workers reach villages currently cut off by floodwaters and collapsed roads and bridges.

An estimated 70 000 people are currently sheltering in churches and schools.

A search and rescue operation is underway for people reported to be cut off by floodwaters, with the Malawi defence forces providing boats and aircraft.

“The high winds ripped roofs off homes and blew down walls,” Concern’s Country Director, Yousaf Jogezai, said.

The official said in other cases, structures collapsed as a result of the heavy rainfall.

The heavy rains would also damage the maize harvest – a key element of the staple diet in Malawi – and result in food insecurity in the coming months.

Concern’s team is on the ground, distributing plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, blankets, soap and essential household items.

The World Bank lists Malawi amongst the top ten nations to be worst affected by climate change and is experiencing extreme weather.

The Southern African country was already facing difficulties due to drought conditions in recent months.

Source: CAJ News Agency