Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) reported on 22 April that at least 3 people have died in rainstorms and landslides that occurred in Rumphi District in the country’s Northern Region on 20 April. Five people are still missing.

Heavy rain caused flooding, roackslides and landslides in Malawi’s Northern Region on 20 April, 2019. Photo: DoDMA Malawi

DoDMA said it received a “rapid assessment report from the district council to the effect that rainstorms and landslides have caused extensive damage in most parts of Sub-T/A Chapinduka, mainly in Tcharo area. The report indicates that three people have died, nine are injured and five are missing. The injured have since been admitted to Tcharo Health Centre.”

Heavy rain fell in the area during the early hours of 20 April, shifting rocks and triggering landslides. At least 20 households (around 100 people) have been affected, and houses, schools and public infrastructure have all been damaged.

A search and rescue team, including personnel from the Malawi Defence Force and the Malawi Police Service, has been deployed to the affected areas to search for the missing people. An assessment team from the district council is also on the ground to assess immediate needs of the affected people and extent of damage.

The Malawian Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) dispatched basic relief items such as food and kitchen utensils to be distributed to the affected households while awaiting for a detailed assessment report.

The Government, through DoDMA, has also provided financial support to cover medical expenses for the injured and towards funeral arrangements for the deceased.

Heavy rain caused flooding, roackslides and landslides in Malawi’s Northern Region on 20 April, 2019. Photo: DoDMA Malawi