Malawi – Floods in Lilongwe Leave 6 Dead

At least 6 people have died in flooding that struck areas of Lilongwe District in the Central Region of Malawi, late on 16 December, 2017.

According to a statement by the Government of Malawi, over 1,000 people from 200 households were affected by the floods. Two people have been reported injured.

Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima visited the affected areas of Mchesi, Kaliyeka, Kawale and Chipasula on Sunday, 17 December.

The flooding came after a period of heavy rain. Local media reported extensive damage to homes, schools and churches. Some infrastructure including roads and bridges were also damaged.

Malawi Red Cross says that the Mchesi river burst its banks after the heavy rain. Many of the homes damaged were those built along river banks.

Lilongwe was hit by severe flooding in February this year when 400 people had to evacuate their homes.

Floods in Lilongwe District in the Central Region of Malawi, December, 2017. Credit: Roy Nkosi, Malawi News Agency (MANA)

Flood Summary

Last updated: December 19, 2017
Event
Central Region of Malawi, December 2017
Date
December 16 to December 19, 2017
Type
Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Mchesi
B - Kaliyeka
C - Kawale
D - Chipasula

Magnitude

River level
Overflowing
Mchesi river, Lilongwe District - December 16 to December 18, 2017
According to Malawi Red Cross

Damages

Affected
1000 people
Lilongwe District - December 16 to December 19, 2017
Fatalities
6 people
Lilongwe District - December 16 to December 19, 2017