Flooding in Malawi

26 Jan 2015

On 13 January 2015, a State of Emergency was declared in Malawi as a result of severe flooding along the Shire and Ruo rivers. The floods, in the southern districts, follow heavy rains that began early in January 2015, resulting in displacement of a minimum of 174 000 individuals.

Of the 28 districts of Malawi, 15 are affected: Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Zomba, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje, Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi,Ntcheu, Salima, Rumphi and Karonga.

Infrastructure, including roads and bridges have been damaged; farms and homes are underwater forcing inhabitants to seek safety on high ground.

There is a lack of basic services such as water, sanitation and hygiene, raising concerns over possible disease outbreaks.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers planning to visit Malawi in the near future should keep in touch with their sending organisation, charity or tour company for the latest information on the situation.

• The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Information should also be checked for the latest information.