More than 30 households were displaced on Sunday after intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds caused flash flooding in several parts of Mzuzu City in northern Malawi.
According to city disaster management authorities, at least six wards were affected by the storm, with Zolozolo emerging as the hardest-hit area. Floodwaters swept through residential zones, damaging homes and household property and leaving many families without adequate shelter or food.
Mzuzu City Council disaster management officer Macdonald Gondwe said response teams were immediately deployed to support affected residents. He explained that ward-level disaster committees are conducting on-the-ground assessments to establish the extent of the damage and determine the most urgent needs.
“The stormy rains caused widespread disruption, and our teams are actively assisting families who have been affected,” Gondwe said.
Areas Impacted
In addition to Zolozolo, the floods and strong winds also affected:
• Chiputula
• Katawa
• Masasa
• Mzilawayingwe
While no official reports of injuries or deaths had been confirmed at the time of reporting, authorities said several families are in urgent need of temporary shelter, food supplies, and basic household items.
A Recurring Challengealawi’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly in fast-growing urban centres such as Mzuzu. Poor drainage systems, unplanned settlements, and rapid urbanisation continue to worsen the impact of heavy seasonal rains.
Flooding and landslides are common during the rainy season, frequently displacing communities and placing pressure on local disaster response mechanisms. In recent years, Malawi has experienced severe weather disasters, including Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2023, both of which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
Authorities have reiterated calls for improved urban planning, stronger drainage infrastructure, and enhanced disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of future storms.
Source: Africa Publicity
