Department of Disaster Management Affairs

07/05/2026

DoDMA ORIENTS DISASTER COMMITTEES ON DRM ACT

…Calls them to familiarise themselves with the Act

The Department of Disaster Risk Management Affairs (DoDMA) has called on ward-based disaster risk management (DRM) committees to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the DRM Act (2023) if they were to effectively implement various programmes in their communities.

DoDMA’s Principal Disaster Recovery Officer Blessings Kamtema made the call on Wednesday in Mzuzu during the orientation of DRM committees from Masasa and Chibanja wards on the DRM Act, which repealed the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Act of 1991.

“We need to take advantage of the legal instruments available in DRM, populate them and hit the ground so that everyone acts accordingly. Some disasters could be avoided if communities were well versed in relevant laws and regulations,” said Kamtema.

Mzuzu City Council’s Director of Economic Planning and Development, Macmillan Magomero, described the training as a game-changer in building a disaster-resilient city.

“We must change our approach and use every available avenue to inform the public and act within the confines of the law. We are ready to support this cause and remain vigilant as we plan for the future of our city,” said Magomero.

Chairperson of Masasa Ward DRM Committee Maria Chimaliro echoed Magomero’s sentiments, describing the training as insightful and stressing that it will strengthen their capacity to effectively implement DRM interventions in accordance with the law.

The orientation sessions, which have also been held in Dedza, Nkhotakota, Salima and Zomba City under the Risk-Informed Development for Resilience Project (RID4R), saw participants drilled in key DRM terminology, practical scenarios and the DRM Act of 2023.

RID4R is a four year-project being implemented in five councils: Dedza, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mzuzu and Zomba City with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The project aims to enhance resilience against multiple hazards by strengthening anticipatory capacities and mainstreaming DRM through the development of frameworks for risk-informed planning and financing, with a particular focus on improving sub-national coordination.

01/05/2026

18/04/2026

GOOD 'MANAZ'

Malawian Nationals in Zimbabwe (MANAZ) on Friday donated assorted relief items to people affected by March 2026 floods.

Speaking at Capital Hill, Lilongwe, MANAZ Vice Moderator Mizeki Mndola said the donation, which has been made in collaboration with the Malawi Embassy in Harare, signifies compassion for fellow citizens back home.

"We hope the donation eases challenges being encountered by the affected brothers and sisters," said Mndola.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni said the donation is a true reflection of solidarity, stressing that it will go a long way towards assisting the affected communities.

Among others, the donation includes foodstuffs, kitchen utensils, shoes and clothes.

02/04/2026

NTCHITO YOPEREKA KATUNDU NDI THANDIZO LA SUNBIRD

Dzulo laliwisiri (pa 1 April) mogwirizana ndi anzathu a Malawi Red Cross Society - MRCS, tinalandira thandizo la katundu wosiyanasiyana wa ndalama zokwana K27 miliyoni kuchokera ku Hotela ya Sunbird.

Pozindikira kuti ntchito ya za ngozi zogwa mwadzidzidzi siyifunika tulo, lero (pa 2 April) tinatsagana ndi a Red Cross komanso Salima District Council kukapereka katunduyu kwa maanja 250 omwe posachedwapa anakhudzidwa ndi kusefukira kwa madzi ndipo akukhala mmakampu kwa TA Pemba komanso Khombedza.

Mwa zina, maanjawa alandira matumba a chimanga, soya pieces, mabulangete, water guard, sugar, ndowa komanso mapepela ofolelera nyumba mongoyembekezera.

Tikuthokoza a Sunbird komanso a Red Cross pogwirana nafe manja pa ntchito yothandiza okhudzidwa.

Izi ndi zina mwa zithunzi zomwe tinatola ku Salima.

01/04/2026

“THEY ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS”

…Sunbird Tourism Plc Donates K27M-Worth Relief Items

Malawi’s hospitality powerhouse Sunbird Tourism Plc on Wednesday donated assorted relief items worth K27 million towards people affected by recent floods in the country.

Speaking in Lilongwe when she handed over the donation to the Malawi Red Cross Society - MRCS through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Sunbird Tourism Plc Head of Sales, Marketing and Distribution Temwa Kanjadza said the affected require support in this time of need.

“They are our brothers and sisters. We hope that the support we have rendered today will provide relief as they recover from the devastating floods and rebuild their lives,” said Kanjadza.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni commended the hospitality giant, saying the donation is a gesture of solidarity to Malawians affected by the disaster.

“This [donation] which includes maize, blankets, buckets, sugar and water guard, is a reflection of dignity, relief and renewed hope to affected families,” said Moleni.

Malawi Red Cross Society’s Director of Programmes and Development Leonard Maganga concurred with Moleni, saying the donation, which will benefit 250 households, will restore dignity and alleviate challenges being encountered by the affected.

01/04/2026

“WE CANNOT SIT IDLE”

…ESCOM Powers the Emergency Response Programme with a K200m Donation

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Ltd on Wednesday powered the ongoing flood emergency response operations with a donation of K200 million.

Speaking in Lilongwe on behalf of the Board Chairperson, ESCOM Board Director Welford Sabola said the utility body felt compelled to stretch a helping hand.

“The affected people are our customers, we cannot sit idle while they are facing challenges. They need our support. They have lost their household property and food. We have to complement Government’s efforts in providing their needs,” said Sabola.

Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr. Justin Saidi described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion, stressing that it will go a long way towards addressing humanitarian needs of over 69,000 households affected by recent floods in 23 councils.

27/03/2026

"A TRUE DEMONSTRATION OF SOLIDARITY"
..NBS Bank Plc Donates K100m towards Lean Season and Emergency Response Programmes

NBS Bank Plc on Friday donated K100 million towards implementation of the 2025/26 Lean Season Food Insecurity and Emergency Response Programmes.

Speaking in Lilongwe during cheque presentation ceremony, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr. Justin Saidi described the bank's gesture as a true demonstration of solidarity, stressing that it will go a long way towards alleviating challenges being encountered by the affected.

NBS Bank Plc Head of Government and International Organizations Mervin Donga said they stand in solidarity with affected Malawians and that the donation is meant to assist communities to recover and rebuild their lives following disasters.

26/03/2026

“THIS IS NOT THE END”

…Zimbabwe Hands Over Third Consignment of Donated Relief Items

The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on Thursday handed over the third and last consignment of relief assistance towards people affected by food insecurity in Malawi with reaffirmation of continued support and sisterhood between the two countries.

Speaking in Lilongwe when she handed over a consignment of 330 tons of maize (about 6,600 bags each weighing 50kgs), Zimbabwe Ambassador to Malawi Dr. Nancy Saungweme said the delivery of the consignment is not the end of continued partnership.

“On behalf of President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe, I handover this third and final consignment. Let me emphasize that this is not the end, we shall continue to support each other because it is our duty to nurture our ties for the benefit of our people,” said Dr. Saungweme.

In his remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda said the Government of Zimbabwe’s generosity will be remembered not only for the material support provided but also for the spirit of unity and kinship.

In January, Zimbabwe donated 300 tons of red sorghum, 800kgs of mealie-mill, 280 kgs of sugar, 144 litres of cooking oil, 322 cabin tents and 697 blankets. In February, Dr. Saungemwe handed over 370 tons of maize to Malawi.

26/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE: UPDATE ON RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODS

24/03/2026

“YOU ARE NOT ALONE”

…NOCMA Donates K200M towards People Affected by Recent Heavy Rains and Floods

The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026 donated K200 million towards the Emergency Response Programme targeting communities affected by recent heavy rains and floods.

Speaking at Capitol Hill in Lilongwe, NOCMA Director of Finance Sophia Mkandawire said the company is committed to complementing Malawi Government efforts in assisting the affected people and building their resilience to disasters.

“People affected by recent heavy rains and floods are not strangers. They are our fellow Malawians. They are not alone. As NOCMA, we stand with our fellow citizens and we recognize the disruption disasters bring on livelihoods.”

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni described the donation as timely and commended the company for the gesture.

“We are providing relief assistance to over 39,000 households affected by recent disasters. Currently, we have developed a budget of around K17 billion to restore basic services, prevent secondary disaster impacts and initiate early recovery.

23/03/2026

Ntchito yopereka thandizo kwa maanja omwe posachedwapa akhudzidwa ndi kusefukira kwa madzi potsatira mvula yamphamvu yomwe inagwa kuyambira pa 15 March ikupitilira.

Lero pa 23 March tinakayendera maanja okhudzidwa kwa Mfumu Yaikuli Nthache m'boma la Mwanza.

Pa ulendowu, Mlembi Wamkulu ku Nthambi Yoona za Ngozi Zogwa Mwadzidzidzi a Wilson Moleni anatsimizikira maanja okhudzidwa kuti popatula kupereka thandizo, boma likonza msewu wopita ku Thambani komwe milatho ndi malo ena zawonongeka.

Mwa zina, okhudzidwa alandira chimanga, ndowa, mabulangete, nyemba, mchere komanso shuga.

Madzi osefukirawa anakhudza maanja oposa 31,000. Anthu 22 anatisiya pomwe 84 avulala.

Zithunzi zikuonetsa ntchito yoyendera komanso kupereka thandizo kwa okhudzidwa ku Mwanza.