Malawi: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in central and northern regions as of March 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of central and northern Malawi as of March 1. Heavy rainfall across the region in recent days has triggered flooding in areas along Lake Malawi. Authorities have reported at least one fatality and around 7,000 displaced due to severe flooding in Nkhotakota District in the Central Region. Hundreds of people in the area have had to be rescued from floodwaters and most of the displaced residents are being housed in emergency shelters. The floods have caused damage to roads to the south around Dwangwa, which is hampering efforts to provide aid to those affected. Around 600 households have also been affected by flooding in Karonga District in the Northern Region after downpours caused the North Rukuru River to overflow in the region. Rice crops in the area have also been damaged by the flooding. Authorities are advising residents in other at-risk lakeshore areas to move to higher ground. Malawi's Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has forecast further adverse weather over the coming days, with further isolated thunderstorms and heavy downpours likely across much of the country March 1. More benign conditions are expected in most areas March 2-3, before showers and storms return across much of the country March 4-5.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.