Rainy season disasters claim 35 lives

By Vanessa Ziba

At least 35 people have died from various disasters during the 2024/2025 rainy season, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

The department reported that severe weather events—including stormy rains, floods, hailstorms, strong winds, and lightning strikes—have taken a heavy toll across the country.

In addition to the rising death toll, DoDMA noted that injuries have increased to 469, up from 382, with many resulting from structural collapses and lightning incidents.

The department also revealed that the number of affected households has climbed from 31,413 in January to 35,661, impacting approximately 160,475 people. Among these, 644 households have been displaced.

Temporary relief camps have been established in Mangochi and Blantyre districts, hosting 613 and 31 households respectively, after recent floods forced the evacuation of over 2,000 households in these areas.

In response, DoDMA is actively distributing essential relief items such as maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheets for temporary roofing.

The department says it continues to coordinate with local councils to ensure that all affected households receive timely assistance, and it promises to keep the public informed as the situation develops.