Severe flooding struck the city of Blantyre and surrounding areas in southern Malawi on 12 February. Authorities report 4 people have lost their lives and 3 are still missing.
Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) said in a report on 13 February that flooding caused damage in the city of Blantyre and the neighbouring areas of Blantyre and Chiradzulu District Councils. Damage to roads, bridges, houses and material property was reported. DoDMA said the damage in some locations is so severe some families have been left destitute.
One person died and two are still missing after being swept away by floods in Blantyre City. In Lundi in Blantyre District, a search and rescue team rescued two children who were feared dead after being trapped in flooded water. In Chiradzulu, a search and rescue team recovered the bodies of three of the five victims dragged by fast-flowing water after they tried to cross a flooded river. The team is still searching for the remaining two victims.
Full damage assessments are ongoing. DoDMA and local government authorities have provided relief assistance to 16,607 affected households, including food, tents, housing units, kitchen utensils and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.